Top-25 SF Billy Richmond commits to Kentucky

Billy Richmond, one of the top-ranked small forwards in the class of 2024, has committed to the University of Kentucky.

The 6-foot-6, 200-pound senior chose the Wildcats over Alabama, Memphis, and LSU. Richmond dove into his decision to choose Kentucky with On3.

“The reason I chose Kentucky is because it felt like this where I need to be,” he said. “(It) felt like home basically. Great coaching staff, a lot of family ties which made it comfortable and confident for me to pick Kentucky, and just Cal always keeping it real with me.”

Billy Richmond: A Full Breakdown of Kentucky’s Latest Commitment

Richmond choosing UK is not too much of a surprise considering his ties to the school and Coach Cal. His father, also named Billy Richmond, played for John Calipari at Memphis during the early 2000s. Richmond also played alongside current Kentucky freshman DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw last season at Camden High School in New Jersey.

According to the On3 Industry Rankings, Richmond is ranked as the No. 21 overall prospect in the 2024 cycle. He’s also the No. 9 small forward.

A four-star recruit, Richmond cements himself with a loaded Kentucky recruiting class, which ranks 2nd nationally, only behind Duke. The Memphis native joins Five-Star Plus+ C Jayden Quaintance (No. 8), four-star PG Boogie Fland (No. 22), four-star C Somto Cyril (No. 51), and four-star PG Travis Perry (No. 87). All rankings are according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

Kentucky might not be done on the recruiting trail either. John Calipari and the Wildcats remain in the hunt for two more five-star studs in VJ Edgecombe (No. 5 nationally) and Karter Knox (No. 13).

Scouting Report

“Billy Richmond is a connecting forward prospect. Standing at a lengthy 6-6, he has a projectable frame that should continue to add weight and not lose fluidity or explosion. He is a good passer, sees the floor well and properly weights passes at multiple levels. The jump shot needs work as it is flat and the shot load is inconsistent. Richmond puts pressure on the rim from the wing. He can quickly turn defense into offense with his anticipation and aggression in the passing lanes. A switchable defender able to guard on the ball or slide down to defend bigger forwards. He moves the ball well and looks to punish the rim in transition. The jump shot will need development.” – On3’s Jamie Shaw