Florida Gators Star Will Richard Drafted in Second Round of NBA Draft, Poised to Make Impact at Next Level
Will Richard’s journey from Gainesville to the bright lights of the NBA took another step forward when he was selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. For the University of Florida junior guard, it marked the culmination of years of perseverance, growth, and unrelenting dedication to his craft. While second-round picks often enter the league with questions and uncertainty, Richard’s complete game, maturity, and leadership make him one of the more intriguing value picks of the draft.
Richard’s rise wasn’t necessarily meteoric, but it was consistent. Originally transferring from Belmont to Florida ahead of the 2022-23 season, he steadily developed under head coach Todd Golden’s system. Over three seasons with the Gators, Richard became a reliable contributor, eventually blossoming into a dependable scorer, tenacious defender, and team leader by his final collegiate season.
In the 2024–25 campaign, Richard averaged 13.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 39.8% from beyond the arc and 45.5% from the field. His versatility as a two-way player—capable of guarding multiple positions and contributing offensively both on and off the ball—caught the attention of NBA scouts, even if his name wasn’t often mentioned among first-round locks.
Richard’s strength lies not in flashy statistics or viral highlights but in his consistent ability to impact games on both ends of the floor. His size—6-foot-5 with a near 6-foot-10 wingspan—allows him to play and defend both guard positions, while his shooting mechanics and poise give him the potential to grow into a solid 3-and-D role player at the NBA level.
Perhaps what stood out most to NBA front offices during the pre-draft process was Richard’s maturity. Having played a full three seasons of high-level college basketball, he demonstrated a basketball IQ and self-awareness that some younger prospects still lack. His interviews reportedly impressed executives, and his workouts showed a level of conditioning, polish, and preparedness that suggested he would be ready to contribute sooner rather than later.
The team that selected Richard—while not yet named in this version of the story—likely sees him as a player with immediate bench value and long-term starter upside. Whether he cracks the rotation in his rookie season will depend on how quickly he adjusts to the speed and physicality of the professional game, but given his collegiate track record, few doubt that he’ll find his niche.
What sets Richard apart from many second-round picks is his defensive tenacity. At Florida, he was regularly tasked with guarding the opposition’s top perimeter player. Whether chasing shooters around screens, switching onto bigger wings, or contesting shots without fouling, Richard embraced the gritty aspects of the game. In a league that increasingly values defensive versatility, his skill set is highly translatable.
Offensively, he’s more of a complementary piece than a lead initiator. Richard isn’t going to break down defenses off the dribble or operate as a primary ball handler, but his catch-and-shoot numbers, mid-range touch, and timely cuts make him a valuable off-ball player in today’s motion-heavy offenses. He can knock down spot-up threes, relocate effectively, and finish through contact at the rim.
Florida head coach Todd Golden had high praise for Richard after the draft selection, noting his leadership and example-setting nature. “Will was the kind of player every coach loves to have,” Golden said. “He came in every day to work, to get better, and to help his team win. He made our program better every single day.”
Richard’s selection also continues Florida’s proud tradition of developing NBA talent. While the Gators have had a quieter stretch in recent drafts, Richard’s pick reaffirms the school’s ability to produce pros—especially those willing to work hard and develop over time. His success could be a recruiting boost for Golden and his staff, showing that player development is alive and well in Gainesville.
The reaction from Florida fans and alumni was overwhelmingly positive. Social media flooded with congratulations and highlight reels of Richard’s time as a Gator. From big shots in SEC play to game-sealing defensive stops, his college career was marked by key moments that demonstrated his winning mentality.
In the NBA, Richard may not be asked to shoulder the scoring load, but his game is tailor-made for a rotational role. Teams value players who don’t need the ball to be effective and who can guard multiple positions. If he can maintain his shooting efficiency and continue to grow his defensive repertoire, he could carve out a long and productive NBA career.
Much of Richard’s immediate future will depend on the situation he lands in. If he joins a team with a strong development staff and a clear role for him, he could make an impact by his second season. Summer League will be his first chance to showcase his skills against other NBA hopefuls, and it will offer fans a glimpse into how his game translates to the next level.
For Richard personally, the draft moment was one of validation. A player who transferred and worked to find his place, who steadily improved rather than exploding overnight, and who approached the game with professionalism and discipline, finally had his dream come true. In post-draft interviews, he expressed gratitude to his coaches, teammates, and family, acknowledging the long road it took to reach that point.
He also made it clear that being drafted is just the beginning.
“I’m thankful, I’m blessed, but I’m not satisfied,” Richard said. “This is a step, not the finish line. I want to show I belong, and I’m ready to get to work.”
That mindset, more than anything, is why many believe Richard will beat the odds. Second-rounders face uphill battles in making NBA rosters, earning minutes, and sticking in the league. But Richard brings a package of skill, maturity, and drive that often separates those who just make it to the league from those who stay.
NBA analysts applauded the pick, with some calling it one of the steals of the second round. ESPN’s draft coverage noted his value as a “plug-and-play” defender who could surprise with his offensive upside. Meanwhile, former players and coaches weighed in on Richard’s intangibles, calling him a “culture guy” who raises the professionalism and competitiveness of any locker room he’s in.
In an NBA increasingly defined by wings and guard hybrids who can defend and hit threes, Richard’s profile fits right in. His physical tools, shooting touch, and team-first approach make him a strong candidate to exceed expectations. He may not be a headline-making rookie, but he has the potential to be one of those players who becomes indispensable over time.
Florida’s basketball program, often overshadowed by its football success, has much to celebrate. Richard’s success story is a testament to both his personal work ethic and the structure provided by the Gators’ coaching staff. It reminds fans and recruits alike that Gainesville can still produce high-level NBA talent with the right mix of opportunity and effort.
As Summer League approaches, all eyes will be on Richard to see how he adapts to the next level of competition. He’ll have to prove himself all over again—fighting for a spot, earning the respect of coaches and veterans, and making the most of every minute he’s given. But if his college career was any indication, Will Richard is more than ready for the challenge.
The second round may not come with the same pomp and ceremony as the lottery picks, but it’s often where the most determined, hardworking, and resilient players emerge. Will Richard fits that mold perfectly, and if his journey so far is any indication, this next chapter in the NBA is just the beginning of a career built on substance, not flash.
