Florida Gators senior guard Will Richard has become a standout in the SEC, known for his sharpshooting and intensity. Hailing from Fairburn, Ga., Richard owes much of his success to his parents, Helen and Al Richard, whose support has shaped his journey. He attended Woodward Academy, where he played both basketball and football.
As a junior, he led the team to a Georgia 4A state title, then averaged 24 points per game his senior year, earning first-team All-State honors. His athleticism and discipline reflect the strong foundation built by his family and early multi-sport background.
Helen and Al Richard: The Support System Behind Gators Guard Will Richard
Will Richard, senior guard for the Florida Gators, was born Dec. 24, 2002, in Fairburn, Georgia, and raised in a close-knit household alongside his siblings, Sara and AJ. His parents, Helen and Al Richard, played pivotal roles in his development—both as an athlete and a person.
His father, Al Richard, played defensive line for Clemson, graduating in 1988. He earned SuperPrep’s Mid-Atlantic Defensive Player of the Year in high school, was named to their All-American and All-Mid-Atlantic teams, and starred in the 1987 Shrine Bowl with 89 tackles, eight fumble recoveries, and nine blocked punts.
Will attended Woodward Academy, where he began his basketball journey before emerging as a key figure in Florida’s 2023-24 lineup. As a junior, he started 35 of 36 games, sinking a career-high 70 three-pointers at a 34.5% clip. He logged 20 games in double figures and scored 20+ in six, including 23 points on 8 of 12 shooting against No. 16 Alabama and four three-pointers versus Mississippi State.
Helen, his mother, and the family’s consistent presence have grounded Will through his rise. Both siblings, Sara and AJ, also attended Clemson, continuing the Richard legacy of academic and athletic excellence.
Will Richard, Todd Golden Reflect on Comeback Mentality
With four double-digit comeback wins this season, including a dramatic Elite Eight victory over Texas Tech, Florida has earned a reputation for thriving under pressure. Sophomore guard Will Richard, instrumental in the Gators’ 18-4 run to close that game, said,
“If there’s time left on the clock, we have a chance. Just how resilient we are, how we fight through adversity … That’s what makes us special.”
Head coach Todd Golden, however, takes a more cautious approach.
KEEP READING: Florida Gators NCAA Men’s Basketball Title History
“I’m not as confident in those moments,” he admitted. “In the huddle, I’m saying, ‘Hey, we’ve got to play pretty dang perfect down the stretch if we want to win this.’”
Golden credited the team for executing under pressure and keep pursuing under comeback mentality.
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