Billy Richmond's dad criticizes Memphis' NIL situation

It appears one of Kentucky’s top threats to land 2024 four-star wing Billy Richmond III may not be a major threat at all. The recruiting target’s father, who played for John Calipari at Memphis, had some choice words for his former school’s current name, image and likeness situation.

And if you read between the lines, it doesn’t sound like he’ll be sending his son to play for Penny Hardaway and his Tigers.

“I am just going to say this. Just because Penny does not get (Curtis) Givens or (Billy) Richmond does not mean he has lost his mojo,” Billy Richmond Jr. wrote on a Memphis Tigers basketball fan page on Facebook. “You guys are funny and have zero clue… I love the tigers as a former player. Memphis until I die. But this fan base is delusional.”

Givens, a four-star guard previously recruited by Memphis, recently announced his commitment to LSU.

Why? Richmond Jr. says the Tigers are behind in NIL and fans do more talking than donating to help bring high-profile players in like Givens and his son.

“The truth hurts sometimes. I’ve given money to the school, did NIL deal with Calvin Austin who played for the tigers football team current Steeler in the NFL,” he added. “So it’s hard hearing/seeing the b***ing about things the common fan has zero clue about but chirping. Have you guys donated towards NIL to better position with these top recruits? Have you donated anything outside your opinions? I will wait!

“We can’t compete with the big boys until people like yourself with lip instead of hand to pocket change your behavior. Too much talk no money!”

Richmond, who played for Calipari from 2002-04, is an entrepreneur and the founder of The Wing Guru in Memphis. He knows business and says the Tigers won’t be able to compete with SEC schools on the recruiting trail if the NIL situation doesn’t improve.

“We need NIL money to compete with SEC schools,” he said. “I’m not speaking for my son but from an alum who donates plenty to the University outside of my opinion.”

The four-star wing announced his final eight schools in August, with Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Memphis, Miami and Texas making the cut. He’s taken official visits to LSU (Sept. 8-10), Kentucky (Sept. 15-17), Memphis (Sept. 29-31) and Kansas (Oct. 6-8) with one final trip scheduled to Alabama from Oct. 20-22.

Richmond has since cut his list down to four schools: Alabama, Kentucky, LSU and Memphis.

From there, the Camden High School standout — a former teammate of Kentucky freshmen DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw, mind you — is expected to make a decision during the early signing period.

The 6-6, 200-pound wing is rated as the No. 24 overall prospect and No. 9 small forward in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking.

Will he be a Kentucky Wildcat?