Will Richardson Bio
William Tyrell Richardson, born on September 3, 1999, in Hinesville, Georgia, is an American professional basketball player currently listed with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds, he plays as a point guard and shooting guard, blending scoring instincts with versatile playmaking. Richardson attended the University of Oregon from 2018 to 2023, where he emerged as one of the Pac-12 Conference’s most reliable guards and earned second-team All-Pac-12 recognition as a senior in 2022.
After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, Richardson began his professional career with the Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA G League. He has since taken his game overseas, briefly suiting up for BC Šiauliai of the Lithuanian Basketball League before continuing his career in Asia. Known for his perimeter shooting, court vision, and steady growth as a lead guard, Richardson’s basketball journey reflects a steady climb through high school, college, and into the international professional ranks.
Early Life and Background
William Tyrell Richardson was born and raised in Hinesville, Georgia, a coastal city with a strong high school sports tradition. He grew up in a community where basketball was a central part of local culture, and he began developing his game on neighborhood courts and through organized youth programs. His early years in Hinesville shaped his competitive foundation and gave him a clear sense of the work ethic required to advance to higher levels of the sport.
Richardson first played high school basketball at Bradwell Institute in his hometown of Hinesville. For his sophomore season, he transferred to Liberty County High School, also located in Hinesville. At Liberty County, he became teammates with future professionals Davion Mitchell and Richard LeCounte and helped the program capture a Class 4A state championship. The experience of playing alongside established college recruits accelerated his understanding of the game and prepared him for national-level competition.
As a junior at Liberty County, Richardson was a dominant scorer, averaging 31.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.6 steals per game while leading his team to the state semifinals. He set a school record with 55 points and 14 rebounds in a game against Bradwell Institute and was named Region 2-3A Player of the Year. To round out his development against elite national competition, Richardson transferred to Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, for his senior season, where he was recognized as a four-star recruit, ranked number 38 nationally by ESPN. He also appeared in the Jordan Brand Classic, one of the premier all-star showcases for top high school seniors.
Path to Basketball
Richardson’s path to professional basketball was built through a steady progression of increasingly competitive environments. His high school résumé, including a state championship with Liberty County, a record-setting junior season, and a senior year at the nationally respected Oak Hill Academy, made him one of the more heavily recruited guards in the 2018 class. He received offers from several top programs and ultimately committed to the University of Oregon over finalists Gonzaga and Georgia.
At Oregon, Richardson joined a Ducks program that had reached the Final Four in 2017 and regularly competed for Pac-12 titles. He stepped into a guard rotation that needed scoring and playmaking, and he responded with steady growth across four seasons. His development under the Oregon coaching staff transformed him from a high-volume prep scorer into a more complete lead guard, capable of running offense, defending multiple positions, and stretching defenses from beyond the arc.
By the time he finished his college career in 2023, Richardson had earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors and was regarded as one of the more experienced guards available in his draft class. Although he went undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, his combination of size, perimeter shooting, and playmaking made him an attractive target for professional teams seeking a versatile backcourt piece.
Will Richardson Career
Early Career (2018–2023)
As a freshman at Oregon, Richardson came off the bench and averaged 6 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game, gaining valuable experience within a competitive Pac-12 rotation. As a sophomore, he became a more efficient and impactful player, averaging 11 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He also led the Pac-12 Conference in three-point field goal percentage, finishing the season at 46.9 percent from beyond the arc.
Before his junior season, Richardson underwent surgery on his left thumb and missed the first 12 games of the year. He returned to action and on March 7, 2021, posted a career-high 22 points in an 80–67 win over Oregon State. As a junior, he averaged 11.3 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game, cementing his role as a primary playmaker for the Ducks. As a senior, he was named second-team All-Pac-12, confirming his status as one of the top perimeter players in the conference.
NBA G League Breakthrough (2023–2025)
After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, Richardson joined the Grand Rapids Gold on October 30, 2023, launching his professional career in the NBA G League. In his time with the Gold, he averaged 7.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 17.8 minutes per game, providing the team with steady guard play and reliable perimeter shooting. His performance demonstrated that his shooting touch and vision translated effectively to the professional level.
On October 8, 2024, Richardson signed with the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, briefly reaching the highest level of professional basketball. He was waived on October 16, 2024, and rejoined the Grand Rapids Gold on October 28, continuing his development in the G League. His stint with the Gold and his brief NBA opportunity with the Nuggets highlighted his perseverance and willingness to compete for every roster spot.
International Career (2025–Present)
In 2025, Richardson moved overseas to continue his professional career, signing with BC Šiauliai of the Lithuanian Basketball League. The move to Europe represented a new chapter and an opportunity to expand his game in a different basketball culture known for its fundamentals, team play, and tactical discipline. His time with BC Šiauliai allowed him to take on a featured role and refine his lead-guard skills against experienced international competition.
Following his time in Lithuania, Richardson joined the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association, where he currently plays. Wearing jersey number 28, he has continued to contribute as a scoring and playmaking guard, providing the team with backcourt versatility and perimeter shooting. His move to the CBA places him on one of Asia’s most prominent professional platforms.
Driving Style and Strengths
Richardson is known for his smooth perimeter shooting, his ability to play both point guard and shooting guard, and his reliable decision-making with the ball in his hands. His Pac-12-leading three-point percentage as a sophomore underscored his shooting craft, while his assist averages throughout his Oregon career reflected his growth as a passer. At 6 feet 5 inches, he combines size with skill, allowing him to see over defenders, finish around the rim, and defend multiple perimeter positions.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Richardson’s career are his school-record 55-point game for Liberty County, his appearance in the Jordan Brand Classic at Oak Hill Academy, and his career-high 22-point performance in Oregon’s 80–67 win over Oregon State in 2021. He was also named second-team All-Pac-12 as a senior, and he briefly signed an NBA contract with the Denver Nuggets in 2024, marking his first opportunity at the league’s top level.
Will Richardson Career Wins
Will Richardson has compiled a steady list of team and individual accomplishments from high school through the professional ranks. His career wins include a Class 4A state championship with Liberty County High School, four competitive seasons at the University of Oregon, a second-team All-Pac-12 selection in 2022, and successful stints with the Grand Rapids Gold, BC Šiauliai, and the Xinjiang Flying Tigers.
College Highlights
At Oregon, Richardson was a four-year contributor for the Ducks and helped the program remain competitive in the Pac-12 Conference throughout his tenure. His most distinguished individual achievement was his second-team All-Pac-12 selection as a senior in 2022. He also led the Pac-12 in three-point field goal percentage as a sophomore, a mark that remains one of the most efficient shooting seasons in recent Oregon history.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his college accomplishments, Richardson helped Liberty County capture a Class 4A state championship in Georgia during his time at the school. He also earned Region 2-3A Player of the Year honors and was selected for the Jordan Brand Classic, two milestones that highlighted his status as one of the top high school guards in his recruiting class. His professional career has since included stints in the NBA G League, the Lithuanian Basketball League, and the Chinese Basketball Association.
Will Richardson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Specific details about Will Richardson’s family background are not widely documented in publicly available sources. He was raised in Hinesville, Georgia, a community where basketball plays a central role in local life, and his high school teammates, including Davion Mitchell and Richard LeCounte, became part of his extended basketball family. His path through Bradwell Institute, Liberty County, and Oak Hill Academy reflects the strong network of coaches, mentors, and teammates who supported his development.
Personal Life
Information regarding Will Richardson’s spouse, children, or other personal relationships has not been publicly confirmed. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his professionalism, work ethic, and team-first approach, both at the University of Oregon and across his professional stops with the Grand Rapids Gold, BC Šiauliai, and the Xinjiang Flying Tigers.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Will Richardson as he moved from the NBA G League into international basketball. Early in the year, he signed with BC Šiauliai of the Lithuanian Basketball League, where he adjusted to a new style of play emphasizing ball movement, spacing, and team-oriented offense. His perimeter shooting and ability to play both guard positions made him a natural fit for the LKL’s pace and structure.
Later in 2025, Richardson took the next step in his international career by joining the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association. Wearing number 28, he provided the team with a versatile scoring option and a steady playmaker in the backcourt. The move to one of Asia’s most competitive leagues represented a major opportunity to showcase his game on a larger stage and continue building his professional résumé.
Looking ahead, Richardson’s 2025 trajectory points to sustained professional growth. With experience in the G League, Lithuania, and the CBA, he has built a well-rounded profile as a guard capable of contributing at multiple levels. His combination of size, shooting, and playmaking suggests he will remain a valuable backcourt piece as he continues his career in international basketball.