2026 5-Star Billy Richmond Commits to Kentucky, Becoming the 5th Addition to John Calipari’s Class
The University of Kentucky basketball program has secured yet another elite talent in the class of 2026. Five-star small forward Billy Richmond, one of the most dynamic and versatile players in his class, has officially committed to the Wildcats. Richmond’s decision marks the fifth addition to John Calipari’s 2026 recruiting haul, which is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation.
Richmond, a 6’7” forward from Camden, New Jersey, had offers from several powerhouse programs, including Duke, Kansas, and North Carolina. However, the allure of playing for Kentucky, coupled with Calipari’s reputation for developing NBA talent, ultimately swayed him toward Lexington.
Richmond is ranked among the top 10 players in the 2026 class and is widely regarded as one of the most versatile wings in high school basketball. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents. Richmond can score at all three levels, create for his teammates, and defend multiple positions, making him a valuable addition to any team.
During his sophomore season at Camden High School, Richmond averaged 22.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, showcasing his ability to impact the game in various ways. He also led Camden to a state championship, earning first-team all-state honors in the process.
Richmond’s game is built around his versatility. Offensively, he excels at creating his own shot, attacking the basket, and finishing through contact. His smooth jumper and improving three-point range make him a scoring threat from anywhere on the court. Defensively, Richmond’s length and agility allow him to guard positions 1 through 4 effectively.
Richmond’s decision to commit to Kentucky came down to a few key factors, including the program’s history, the coaching staff, and the opportunity to play alongside other elite talents.
For Richmond, Calipari’s reputation as a coach who prepares players for the NBA was a significant draw. Over the years, Calipari has helped develop numerous NBA stars, including Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, and Bam Adebayo. Richmond sees Kentucky as the ideal place to grow his game and achieve his dream of reaching the next level.
“Coach Cal has a proven track record of getting players ready for the NBA,” Richmond said. “I know he’ll push me to be the best version of myself, both on and off the court.”
Kentucky’s storied basketball tradition and competitive edge in the SEC also played a role in Richmond’s decision. The Wildcats are perennial contenders for national championships, and Richmond wants to be part of a program that competes at the highest level.
“Kentucky is about winning,” Richmond said. “I want to play for a program that’s always in the mix for championships, and I know Kentucky is that place.”
Richmond’s commitment adds to an already loaded 2026 class for Kentucky, which includes four other highly regarded recruits. The opportunity to play alongside other elite talents and build chemistry with his future teammates was an appealing prospect for Richmond.
“I’m excited to join a class full of great players,” Richmond said. “We’re going to push each other to be better and do something special at Kentucky.”
With Richmond’s commitment, Kentucky’s 2026 recruiting class is now one of the strongest in the country. Richmond joins a group that already features four other top-50 players, giving the Wildcats a roster loaded with talent, versatility, and depth.
Richmond’s addition fills a critical need for Kentucky, as his size and skill set make him a perfect fit for the Wildcats’ up-tempo style of play. His ability to score, facilitate, and defend will allow him to make an immediate impact, and his leadership qualities will help set the tone for the team.
The addition of Richmond is yet another example of Kentucky’s ability to attract top-tier talent. With five elite recruits now committed for 2026, the Wildcats are well-positioned to maintain their dominance in college basketball.
Calipari’s focus will now shift to rounding out the class and preparing his current roster for the upcoming season. As always, the goal for Kentucky is to compete for SEC and NCAA titles, and the future looks incredibly bright with players like Richmond leading the way.
Billy Richmond’s commitment to Kentucky is a massive win for the Wildcats and a testament to the program’s enduring appeal under John Calipari. As the fifth addition to an already stacked 2026 class, Richmond brings the skills, versatility, and leadership needed to elevate Kentucky to new heights.
For Richmond, Kentucky offers the perfect platform to showcase his talents, grow as a player, and prepare for a future in the NBA. For the Wildcats, his commitment ensures that the program will remain a powerhouse in college basketball for years to come.
With Richmond now in the fold, Kentucky fans have even more reason to be excited about the future of Wildcats basketball. As Richmond said, “This is just the beginning. We’re building something special, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”