Florida Gators’ Will Richard Shines Against Top Opponents

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Will Richard, a guard for the No. 5 Florida Gators, showcased his talent during Saturday night’s game against No. 12 Texas A&M, scoring 25 points in an 89-70 victory. The performance capped off a remarkable week for Richard, who averaged 27.5 points over two games and positioned the Gators for a strong finish in the SEC regular season.

Richard, a 6-foot-4 native of Fairburn, Georgia, achieved shooting percentages of 69.2% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc throughout the last week. His standout performance against Texas A&M included shooting 9-of-13 overall, with six of those baskets coming from around the three-point line, plus snagging six rebounds.

This offensive outburst not only highlighted Richard’s pivotal role in the Gators’ season but also allowed him to surpass former Florida stars Al Horford and Joakim Noah on the school’s all-time scoring list. “To be mentioned in the same breath as those guys, it’s an amazing feeling,” Richard said. “I’m just focusing on winning games for my team.”

Richard’s recent performances come after a challenging game against Georgia where he scored 30 points in a loss. He emphasized the importance of contributing to victories over individual scoring accomplishments. “I’d rather have zero and win than 30 and lose. I’m just trying to win,” he stated.

Despite the ups and downs of the season, Richard maintains solid averages of 13.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and shooting percentages of 50.9% overall and 37.7% from three-point range. However, inconsistency has marked his game, as evidenced by a scoreless outing against LSU. Regardless, he continues to deliver in crucial matchups, scoring key points during decisive games.

Looking ahead, the Gators (25-4, 12-4 SEC) face another significant test against No. 6 Alabama, set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. Richard’s performance will be crucial as the team aims for a top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The Gators are ranked No. 4 in the NCAA NET rankings, and a win against Alabama could solidify their position.

Richard, returning from declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft, decided to remain with the Gators, a move that has proven vital for the team. “This is my home, and I wanted to finish something we started together,” he said, referring to his commitment to the program and his teammates. His leadership and strong performances in high-pressure situations will be essential as the Gators prepare for both the SEC Tournament and March Madness.

As the postseason approaches, Richard’s stock continues to rise. If he maintains his current level of play, he could lead the Gators deep into the tournament, leaving a lasting impact on Florida basketball history.