According to Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 and Jacob Rudner of 247 Sports, Will Richard, a vital member of the Florida Gators basketball team from the previous season, is now anticipated to return for his senior year.
Richard tried his hand at the NBA and went through the annual pre-draft process, but it appears that the guidance and criticism he got helped him decide to return to the Gators for his final season.
For the Gators, this is huge news since they were waiting on his decision over whether to stay in the draft or go back to school.
Richard played in 36 games last year, averaging 11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per contest. He will also return, having shot 34.5 percent from beyond the arc last season, as one of the Gators’ better 3-point shooters.
Richard has been a key player for the Gators since coming from Belmont University two years ago, and heading into the upcoming season, he is among the team’s more seasoned leaders. In the last two years, he has started 65 of the 68 games for the Gators.
The starting lineup for the 2024–25 season is now anticipated to look somewhat like this:
Martin Alijah
Walter Clayton Jr., if he makes a comeback
Richard Will
Sam Alexis
Alex Condon
Todd Golden is also a little relieved that Richard made this decision because it means his starting wing from the previous season is back, but Richard is only half of the puzzle; he still needs one more from one of, if not his finest players. This team will have experience, depth and coaching among other qualities that tournament winning teams show while they also have improved defensively on paper through the transfer portal.
