Kentucky offer left '24 4-star Billy Richmond speechless

Kentucky extending an offer to 2024 four-star guard Billy Richmond III made sense on paper. He’s long and athletic, a player who takes pride in his defense. And he’s still growing, now 6-foot-6 with a solid frame to build muscle. The vision is there.

Oh yeah, and his dad played for John Calipari at Memphis. That doesn’t hurt.

Still, though, it wasn’t a call the top-100 prospect in the junior class was expecting. In fact, it was one that left him speechless, jaw dropped to the floor in disbelief.

“When (Calipari) called me, my mouth dropped,” Richmond told KSR at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass. on Saturday. “I couldn’t really say anything, just didn’t even know what to say. It was unexpected, but I’m grateful and I’m blessed.”

A Memphis native, the Tigers have also offered — he’s a legacy recruit there, that makes sense. Mississippi State, Seton Hall and Kansas State have also extended scholarships, while Miami (FL) and Duke are also expressing interest, he tells KSR.

“It’s just fun,” Richmond said of his busy recruitment. “When I was a kid, I used to dream about things like this. I don’t take it for granted.”

But it’s easy to admit Kentucky is a bit different. It’s a Hall of Fame coach at a blue blood program, an opportunity to play for the man who coached your father at the collegiate level. And to do it in front of the sport’s most passionate fanbase? Sure, Richmond is intrigued.

“I know a lot (about Kentucky). The fans, I know they go crazy. They’re one of the greatest fanbases of all time,” he told KSR. “And I’ve got a cool relationship with Coach Cal. He’s cool with my dad, coached my dad. And Coach Chin (Coleman) too. They’ve just got a cool coaching staff.”

The relationship between Calipari and Richmond Jr., who played at Memphis from 2002-03, is again strong after the former guard was dismissed from the team in his second year with the Tigers. The UK target’s father previously said he “had to grow up” and “not take things so personally,” issues that ended his time with the program. That has since been repaired.

“It’s really cool. When he’s in Memphis, he always comes to eat with my dad,” Richmond said of his father’s relationship with Calipari. “They just chat, but I think it’s a good thing (that relationship is there).”

Kentucky is clearly in a fantastic position, but when could a decision come for the four-star guard?

“Probably around AAU, during EYBL,” he told KSR. “But if not that, right before my senior year.”

And what is he looking for in a school?

“A coach who trusts me and a coach that I trust,” Richmond added. “A place I can play with great teammates and somewhere that fits my style.”

What will the school of his choice be getting in the standout guard recruit? Someone who plays tough basketball and fights on defense. He wants to prove he’s a dog at the next level.

“Hard-nosed, junkyard dog,” he told KSR. “I can get to the rack, but I’m defense-first and I make plays for my teammates.”

Will that be at Kentucky? We’ll find out in the coming months.