Florida favorite Will Richard unveils his new nickname with Golden State

Florida Favorite Will Richard Unveils His New Nickname with Golden State

Since leaving Florida, Will Richard has found a new home in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors. Though drafted in the second round, he quickly earned consistent playing time under coach Steve Kerr and has become one of the early surprises of the 2025 NBA Draft.

As his role grows, fans are learning more about Richard's personality and story. During a recent appearance on 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, Richard opened up about how he fits with the team and shared the nickname given to him by his new teammates.

“They call Al [Horford] 'Big Gator,' so I'm 'Baby Gator' right now. It's either 'Rook' or 'Baby Gator.’”

Richard now plays alongside former Florida legend Al Horford, who joined Golden State this offseason after playing for Boston. The connection between the two is poetic: when Horford and the Florida Gators captured their first national championship in 2006, Richard was just three years old. Now, as teammates, they bring both experience and youth to the Warriors' roster.

Playing Among NBA Veterans

In the veteran-rich Warriors lineup featuring Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, Richard expressed admiration for his accomplished teammates.

“I grew up watching these guys. To be able to witness their greatness every game, every practice, it's a blessing to be a part of. I take a step back every day and realize how thankful I am to be in this situation.”

Six games into his professional career, Richard is averaging 5.7 points per game in 13 minutes of playtime, showing promising potential as he continues to develop in the league.

Author’s Summary

Will Richard, now a Golden State Warrior, embraces his “Baby Gator” nickname and thrives among NBA veterans while proving himself as an early standout in the 2025 Draft.

Hail Florida Hail — 2025-11-01