**GATOR GREAT GOES GOLDEN: Warriors Nab Florida Sharpshooter Will Richard in 2025 NBA Draft—Betting Big on His Grit, Two-Way Game, and Championship Pedigree**

Will Richard’s journey from Gainesville to the Golden State was never guaranteed, but it always felt destined. A relentless worker with a chip on his shoulder and a game built for modern NBA basketball, Richard officially made his dream a reality on 2025 NBA Draft night when the Golden State Warriors called his name. In a moment that electrified both Gator Nation and Dub Nation, the former Florida guard took the next step in his basketball evolution—joining one of the league’s most storied franchises, with the Warriors betting on his two-way versatility, clutch shooting, and intangible winning DNA.

For a player like Richard, who quietly but effectively elevated his game over his collegiate career, the path to the NBA was defined by substance over flash. At Florida, Richard wasn’t always the loudest name in the media or the flashiest player on the floor, but he embodied everything that made the Gators a feared opponent in the SEC. Tough defense, smart decision-making, lethal spot-up shooting, and a dogged competitiveness made him a coach’s dream and an opponent’s nightmare. While scouts across the league initially slotted him as a second-round talent, the Warriors saw something more—a player ready to contribute to winning basketball from Day 1.

Golden State’s war room didn’t blink when their pick came up. They zeroed in on Richard with laser precision. It wasn’t just about his 6-foot-5 frame or his near 40% shooting from beyond the arc in his final college season—it was about the grit, the grind, the consistent progression in his game. They saw a player who improved every year, who showed up in big games, and who embraced the moment instead of shying from it. For a franchise looking to blend their aging core with youthful infusion, Will Richard offered the perfect mix of NBA-ready skills and untapped potential.

Richard’s rise was rooted in resilience. Coming out of high school, he wasn’t a five-star phenom. His recruitment was modest, but his response was anything but. He committed to Belmont initially and showed out as a freshman, averaging double figures and showcasing an impressive defensive motor. But when he transferred to Florida, the jump in competition didn’t faze him. Instead, it fueled him. Against the SEC’s top talent, Richard held his ground and grew into a premier two-way guard. His jump shot remained silky, his on-ball defense grew tenacious, and his leadership qualities emerged stronger each season. By the time his junior season concluded, he had become the type of player every NBA team covets—one who does the little things right and the big things when they matter most.

The Warriors have long valued high-IQ players who can fit seamlessly into their motion-heavy offense and switching defensive schemes. Richard checks those boxes with conviction. He understands spacing, makes quick decisions with the ball, doesn’t over-dribble, and can knock down open looks with consistency. On defense, he takes pride in locking down his assignment, contesting shots without fouling, and rebounding above his position. That combination, along with his composure under pressure, gives Golden State a young piece who can thrive next to stars and carry his weight when rotations deepen during the regular season.

Golden State’s selection of Richard also signals a renewed focus on winning culture over raw potential. While other teams gambled on length, wingspan, and hypothetical upside, the Warriors leaned on their track record of identifying basketball players who know how to win. Richard helped Florida secure key victories in both SEC and non-conference play, often hitting critical shots in close games and drawing tough defensive matchups. He played with the maturity of a professional even before he became one, and that poise will be invaluable as he enters a Warriors locker room filled with veterans like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and potentially Klay Thompson—if he remains with the team.

There’s also an edge to Richard that resonates deeply with Golden State’s ethos. He’s not afraid to play physically. He talks on defense. He communicates. He holds teammates accountable and invites the same in return. His style mirrors that of a player who belongs in the NBA and whose confidence is built on preparation, not hype. Whether he earns minutes right away or has to bide his time, he’s the kind of player who will stay ready. And in a league where opportunity often comes fast and without warning, readiness is everything.

Back in Gainesville, his selection ignited pride and celebration. Florida fans have long appreciated Richard’s blue-collar approach, and to see him climb to the league’s biggest stage is a validation of his growth and the program’s player development. It also puts Florida basketball back in the NBA spotlight, joining the ranks of other recent Gator alums making their mark in the pros. Richard’s journey adds to the narrative that Florida produces battle-tested talent capable of competing at the next level. For young recruits watching his path, it’s a beacon of what’s possible when hard work meets opportunity.

For Richard himself, the moment was emotional. Surrounded by family and friends, he fought back tears as he heard his name called. Years of early mornings, late nights, and constant self-belief culminated in one phone call from the Warriors’ front office. But even as the dream came true, Richard remained grounded. In post-draft interviews, he spoke more about the work ahead than the work behind. He expressed gratitude to the Florida coaching staff, his teammates, and the fans who believed in him when he was still flying under the radar. Now, as a Warrior, he’s ready to earn everything once again—this time on the biggest stage.

Golden State fans will quickly learn to appreciate what Richard brings. He may not rack up highlight dunks or dominate highlight reels, but he’ll do something arguably more valuable—he’ll win possessions. He’ll defend the opposing team’s best guard. He’ll hit the open three. He’ll rotate properly, box out, and make the extra pass. In short, he’ll make winning plays. And in a league increasingly dictated by stars, it’s often the role players who tip playoff series and shift championship margins.

The Warriors, facing a transitional era as their dynastic core ages, made a statement with this pick. Rather than chase the flashiest name or the highest vertical, they chose a player who fits their identity—a player who plays with heart, smarts, and toughness. That’s what they see in Will Richard. A connector. A competitor. A future cornerstone.

And for Richard, the journey is just beginning. Training camp will be his next test, and knowing his history, he’ll approach it like every challenge before—with humility, hunger, and hustle. He knows nothing will be handed to him, and that’s exactly how he likes it. Because for players like Will Richard, greatness isn’t declared on draft night. It’s earned every day thereafter.

So now, with a Warriors jersey awaiting him, and a fresh chapter ready to be written, Will Richard carries the spirit of Gator Nation into the NBA. From SEC hardwood battles to the bright lights of Chase Center, his game, his mentality, and his determination remain the same. The Warriors didn’t just draft a shooter—they drafted a winner. And as history has shown, that’s the type of player who thrives in Golden State.