Razorbacks’ Richmond Turns Heads on Opening Day of NBA Combine

CHICAGO – Billy Richmond III walked into the NBA Scouting Combine viewed as a second-round project, but he might leave the Windy City forcing teams to rethink that entirely.

Richmond has been known as the motor behind coach John Calipari’s tempo scheme by offering exceptional defensive skill and full court energy while always being engaged in the open floor.

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Those traits alone will force NBA general managers, coaches and scouts to reevaluate how they view Richmond as an NBA Draft prospect. While he has yet to be listed as a first round selection, there’s reason to believe his stock is rising this week.

NBA teams are constantly searching for long, switchable wings who defend multiple positions and thrive in transition. That is the type of value Richmond brings to a franchise as he certainly fits that mold.

Arkansas Razorbacks Billy Richmond during game against the Jackson State Tigers at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. | Nilsen Roman-allHOGS Images

How Richmond Got Here

Richmond arrived at Arkansas after following Calipari from Kentucky as a member of the 2024 recruiting class. The former 5-star wing has always brought unmatched value on both ends of the court which has helped him appear longer than he truly is.

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Combine Measurements

Height: 6-foot-5. 75 inches
Weight: 195.4 pounds
Wingspan: 6-foot-8
Standing reach: 8-foot-5
Hand length: 9 inches
Hand width: 9.25 inches

He lived off his defensive ability as a freshman, but it was his offensive leap as a sophomore that makes him a legitimate draftable prospect

Arkansas Razorbacks Billy Richmond against High Point in the NCAA Tournament. | Munir El-Khatib-allHOGS Images

Calipari took notice of Richmond’s expanded offensive skillset throughout the season, oftentimes begging him to shoot the three when he’s open. After hitting just 2-of-16 attempts as a freshman, the Memphis native hit the gym relentlessly to improve his shot-making abiility.

“Yeah, we went to him late because I trust [Richmond],” Calipari said…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/razorbacks-richmond-turns-heads-opening-132208746.html

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Publish date : 2026-05-13 13:22:00

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