SAN FRANCISCO – Will Richard, who found himself homebound in Georgia during the COVID-19 pandemic, was captivated by a familiar image during an online recruiting pitch from Belmont University coach Casey Alexander in 2020. The screen flashed a photo of Ian Clark, a former Bruin standout and a reliable guard for the Golden State Warriors.
The message was clear: Belmont had a proven track record of producing NBA talent, making it a more compelling option for aspiring players. Alexander highlighted this credibility by naming Clark, current Pacers guard Ben Sheppard, and former Cavalier Dylan Windler as examples of successful players who came from the program. “A kid can’t tell Belmont ‘I’m not gonna go there because I want to play in the NBA’ because we can say, ‘Well, we’ve had three guys in the NBA in the last 10 years, not including Will Richard,’” he remarked.
Richard, who has now transitioned to the NBA as a member of the Golden State Warriors after being selected as the No. 56 pick in the draft, acknowledged that the stories of those players influenced his decision. “They play the right way, shoot 3s, cut, so I definitely used them to help my decision,” he said.
Fast forward several years, and Richard is quickly finding his role in the Warriors’ rotation, impressing fans with his selflessness, tenacious defense, and timely plays. “This guy, from the beginning of camp, has shown that he’s an NBA player,” coach Steve Kerr noted. “The experience, the poise. He doesn’t turn it over, and he makes the right play.”
Unlike Clark, who thrived at Belmont for four years, Richard spent just one season with the Bruins before transferring to the University of Florida, where he became a pivotal player during the Gators’ run to the NCAA championship in 2025. His journey reflects a shifting trend in college basketball where players, often initially overlooked by elite programs, gain recognition after thriving in mid-major settings.
Initially hoping to attend Clemson, Richard’s options were limited, and he opted for Belmont, where he quickly acclimated to the vibrant Nashville scene and bonded with teammates. He recalled fun moments spent attempting to sing at local venues with his peers, including Sheppard, who was already establishing himself as a star player.
Richard’s competitive spirit sharpened through high school battles with Sheppard and was further refined by Belmont’s intricate motion offense, which mirrors the style Kerr employs at Golden State. “I was able to see what works against defenses, knowing when to slip, knowing when to do certain things on the court,” he said, acknowledging that the skills honed at Belmont have served him well in the NBA.
In his one season with the Bruins, Richard averaged substantial minutes, contributing to a successful season that ended with an NIT appearance. His performance matched Belmont’s tradition of strong offensive play, particularly in three-point shooting. His ability to compete with elite teams helped him gain attention from new Florida coach Todd Golden, leading him to pursue a higher-level opportunity.
Richard became an integral part of Florida’s lineup, ultimately culminating in their national title, reflecting a broader trend of players ascending from mid-majors to powerhouse programs through the transfer portal.
For Belmont, the shift in college basketball has raised challenges, as multi-year stars are becoming less common, yet Alexander remains focused on providing an enriching experience for players who choose to join the program. “Nothing about our recruiting pitch has anything to do with, well, come to Belmont and we’ll set you up for success somewhere else,” he said, emphasizing a commitment to player development.
As the landscape of college basketball evolves, Alexander noted that mid-major programs like Belmont may have new opportunities to attract high school talent who once might have pursued bigger schools. “It’s harder to get those high-major offers just because of the portal,” Richard shared, illustrating the changing dynamics.
Despite his departure, Richard’s ascent has not created discord between him and Belmont. Both parties recognize the business nature of college basketball. Meanwhile, the current Belmont team is proving competitive in the Missouri Valley Conference, and Richard is thriving in his role with the Warriors, benefiting from the experiences and wisdom of established stars like Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
Richard’s journey from Belmont to the NBA showcases the possibilities that lie ahead for players willing to forge their path, embodying the hope for future mid-major talents to make a mark on higher stages of the sport.