Richmond Declaring for NBA Draft

0:00On April 25, Arkansas hoop sophomore Billy Richmond III just dropped big news declaring for the NBA draft on April 24, keeping his college eligibility intact. The lefty wing from Memphis had a breakout year under coach John Calipari putting up 11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, two assists, and 1.1 stills per game. He played every single one of the Razorbacks 37 games and earned a spot on the 2026 SEC all defensive team. That jump came after he slid into the starting line of mid-February, stepping up when Carter Knox went down with injury, Knox is now heading to. Louisville Richmond hit double figures in score in 21 times this year, up from just six as a freshman, and in SEC play he shot an impressive 57. 0.4% from the field. Fans and analysts see this as a smart move for him to test the waters, but his draft stock isn't locked in as a first-rounder yet, a strong showing at the combine could change that quick.

1:00For Arkansas though, it stings. They're already thin and waiting on freshman guard Malek Thomas who declared right before him with the same. Eligibility option, the Razorbacks have holes to fill, especially needing big men up front. If Richmond bounces, coach Calipari's banking on five star freshmen, J.J. Andrews and Abdu Torrey, versatile guys who can handle guard or forward duties, starting this summer. Keep an eye on Richmond's workouts, his call could reshape Arkansas's roster, and light up the draft chatter come decision time.