Arkansas lands 4-star wing Billy Richmond

Arkansas basketball on Friday received a commitment from former Kentucky pledge Billy Richmond.

A 6-6 guard, Richmond is considered the No. 20 player in the 2024 class by On3.com. He is rated the No. 7 small forward in the country.

Richmond, a 4-star by On3 who played at Camden High School in New Jersey, initially committed to the Wildcats on Dec. 21, 2023. He chose Kentucky over offers from Alabama, Memphis and LSU.

“Richmond is a connecting forward prospect,” On3.com’s staff wrote in his recruiting profile. “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 weight 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.”

Richmond’s father, Billy, played for Arkansas coach John Calipari at Memphis in the early 2000s. In February, Richmond said he had a “great relationship” with Calipari.

“[Calipari] is a good guy and a down-to-earth person,” he told On3. “He didn’t really give me a role. He just said that I have to play hard. He didn’t offer me any minutes.

“I’m just going to go in and work hard.”

Richmond averaged 17.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game for Camden this past season and recently participated in the prestigious Jordan Brand Classic showcase. 

He is the third player from Kentucky’s 2024 recruiting class to join the Razorbacks since Calipari’s hiring.