Billy Richmond Declares for NBA Draft, Keeps College Eligibility and Highlights Improved 3‑Point Shooting

Billy Richmond declared his entry into the NBA Draft on Friday, maintaining his collegiate eligibility, following a season where his three-point shooting improved to 25%.

Declaring for the NBA Draft allows players to receive evaluations from professional teams while preserving the option to return to college. This process involves participating in team interviews and potentially the NBA Draft Combine, providing direct feedback on a player's skills and professional readiness. The deadline for college players to withdraw their names and retain their eligibility for the upcoming NCAA season is May 28. Richmond made his announcement via social media on Friday, the deadline for draft entry.

This past season, Richmond, a 6-foot-6 wing, averaged 11.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He also earned All-SEC Defensive Team honors. A significant development in his sophomore year involved his three-point shooting, which reached 25% this season, an increase from 12% during his freshman year.

While draft projections currently do not place Richmond in the first round of what is considered a deep draft class, his declaration facilitates direct engagement with NBA decision-makers. This engagement includes combine activities and individual team workouts, which offer critical insights into his current standing and areas for further development. The 13 percentage point jump in three-point efficiency represents a tangible improvement in a skill scouts consistently prioritize for modern wing players. Evaluators previously noted his strong driving ability and athleticism near the rim as primary strengths. Teams will now assess how his enhanced shooting ability complements his established defensive prowess and physical play.

The coming weeks will reveal the extent of interest from NBA teams and whether Richmond's improved offensive metrics influence his draft stock before the May 28 withdrawal deadline. His decision will shape his immediate athletic future.