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Kentucky basketball: 4-star recruit visits campus, has unique connection

By Mat Mlodzinski

July 5, 2023; North Augusta, S.C., USA; NJ Scholars Billy Richmond (24) during the Team Thad and NJ Scholars game at third day of the Peach Jam in Riverview Park Activities Center. Team Thad defeated NJ Scholars 67-59. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-USA TODAY Network
July 5, 2023; North Augusta, S.C., USA; NJ Scholars Billy Richmond (24) during the Team Thad and NJ Scholars game at third day of the Peach Jam in Riverview Park Activities Center. Team Thad defeated NJ Scholars 67-59. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-USA TODAY Network /
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A highly-rated Kentucky basketball recruit visited Lexington over the weekend, and his connections with current Cats are interesting.

Billy Richmond, a 4-star and fringe 5-star recruit in the class of 2024, has his eyes set on Kentucky basketball.

Richmond visited Lexington over the weekend, posting a few pictures to X from a photoshoot he did with the team.

According to 247Sports,  Richmond’s interest in becoming a Wildcat is “warm.” However, he’s also feeling warm about Alabama, Kansas, Louisville, LSU, Memphis, Miami (Fla), and Texas. His recruitment still has a long way to go, but as of now, Richmond has only visited Kentucky and LSU. He’s set to visit Memphis on Sept. 29 and Alabama on Oct. 20.

For Richmond, the connection to Kentucky is notable. The 6-4, 200-pound shooting guard hails from Camden, NJ, a suburb of Philadelphia. Current Kentucky freshmen Aaron Bradshaw and DJ Wagner are also from New Jersey and played high school basketball together for Camden, coached by former Villanova star Maalik Wayns.

Of course, Bradshaw and Wagner are both 5-star recruits, so the possibility of them leaving for the NBA after one year is very high. However, they can definitely give Richmond a taste of what it’s like at Kentucky and playing under John Calipari.

It’s also worth noting that Richmond would fill a massive need for a talented shooting guard in 2024. Antonio Reeves is in his last year of eligibility and Wagner probably won’t be around at Kentucky next season. Reed Sheppard could stick around, but it’s never too early to plan ahead.

Richmond would also fit right into Coach Cal’s scheme, as an aggressive attacker of the rim who can develop into a really good pro player.

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