# Billy Richmond Could Be Arkansas' Best Player in 2026-27

> Billy Richmond, Arkansas' junior guard, is expected to lead the Razorbacks to becoming the team's best player in 2026-27.
- Title: Billy Richmond Could Be Arkansas' Best Player in 2026-27
- Summary: Billy Richmond, Arkansas' junior guard, is expected to lead the Razorbacks to becoming the team's best player in 2026-27. Billy Richmond, a 20-year-old…
- Keywords: billy richmond, arkansas razorbacks, ncaa basketball, john calipari, seattle, memphis, bud walton arena, preseason third team all-sec, field goal percentage, three point shooting, sports, Billy
- Source: Arkansas Razorbacks On SI — https://si.com/college/arkansas/men-s-basketball/why-billy-richmond-has-potential-to-be-arkansas-best-player-in-2026-27
- Published: 2026-10-23T13:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: billy richmond, arkansas razorbacks, ncaa basketball, john calipari, seattle, memphis, bud walton arena, preseason third team all-sec, field goal percentage, three point shooting, sports
## Billy Richmond's Popularity
Billy Richmond III is the most beloved player on the Arkansas men's basketball team.
## Richmond's 2024-25 Campaign
Richmond denied a game-winning shot from Mississippi State's Riley Kugel in the regular season finale.
## Minutes Played
Richmond averaged 17.5 minutes a game during his freshman season, jumping to 27.5 last year.
## Leadership Role
Richmond is taking on a leadership role as a junior on a team with talented but green freshmen.
## Preseason Recognition
Richmond was named Preseason Third Team All-SEC on Oct. 12.
## Coach Calipari's View
Head coach John Calipari said Richmond leads, talks to teammates, and walks them through plays.

> He's gotten better again. He leads. He's talking. He's walking guys through. He's grabbing guys on the side.
## Scoring Improvement
Richmond's field goal percentage increased from 52.3 to 56.3 percent, and points per game nearly doubled.
## Defensive Impact
Richmond averaged 0.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game last season, making him a go-to defender.
## Versatility
Richmond can score in a hurry on fast breaks and make mid-range jumpers and tough shots in the paint.
## Billy Goat Nickname
Richmond has earned the nickname 'Billy Goat' for his ability to handle any task on the court.
## Potential for 2026-27
Richmond is expected to be the Razorbacks' best player in 2026-27 due to his improved scoring and leadership.
## Key takeaway

Billy Richmond, a 20-year-old Arkansas junior guard, is projected to be the Razorbacks' best player in 2026-27 due to his improved scoring and leadership.