Kadary Richmond, St. John’s PG/SG, Emerges as Key Two-Way Threat in 2025 Season
Kadary Richmond has emerged as a true star for St. John’s basketball program heading into the 2024-25 season. The versatile guard combines excellent defensive instincts with crafty offensive skills that have earned him significant recognition. This includes being named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Team and Sporting News Midseason All-America Third Team.
Richmond’s exceptional defensive abilities have placed him among the nation’s elite. This is evidenced by his selection as a Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award semifinalist.
As team captain this season, Richmond brings more than just statistics to the Red Storm. The 6’6″ combo guard possesses good length and solid athleticism, particularly showcasing great change-of-direction moves when driving to the basket. His two-way play has been crucial to St. John’s success, with his rebounding ability from the guard position providing additional value to a team that finds itself in position to potentially clinch the outright Big East regular season title.
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
Kadary Richmond’s path to college basketball stardom began in Brooklyn, where his exceptional skills were on display at South Shore High School before he transferred to the prestigious Brewster Academy in New Hampshire to complete his development.
High School Highlights
Richmond established himself as a dynamic guard prospect during his high school years. At South Shore High School in Brooklyn, he showcased his versatility and court vision that would later become his trademark at the collegiate level.
After transferring to Brewster Academy in New Hampshire for his final season, Richmond’s game reached new heights. The 6-6 guard refined his skills against elite competition, demonstrating exceptional change-of-direction moves and off-the-dribble scoring ability.
His time at Brewster proved transformative, as he developed into a more complete player while maintaining the creative playmaking that first put him on scouts’ radar.
Recruitment and Rankings
Richmond emerged as a highly sought-after recruit, drawing attention from major programs across the country. His combination of size (6-6) and playmaking ability made him particularly appealing to college coaches looking for versatile backcourt players.
Richmond was rated as a four-star prospect by major recruiting services. Scouts particularly praised his great change of direction moves and off-the-dribble scoring, with his length considered exceptional for a combo guard.
His recruitment ultimately led him to Syracuse, where he began his collegiate career before later transferring. NBA scouts identified Richmond early as a potential draft prospect due to his size, court vision, and defensive versatility—attributes that translate well to the professional level.
College Career at St. John’s
Kadary Richmond’s tenure with the St. John’s Red Storm has been marked by steady improvement and leadership development. As team captain for the 2024-25 season, Richmond has established himself as one of the premier guards in the Big East Conference.
Freshman Season
Richmond joined the St. John’s program after transferring and immediately showed the skillset that made him a coveted prospect. Standing at 6’6″, his length and versatility allowed him to impact games in multiple ways. His court vision and defensive instincts stood out early, as he averaged solid assist numbers while disrupting opposing offenses.
Richmond’s ability to change direction on drives made him difficult to contain in transition. He struggled somewhat with his outside shooting consistency but compensated with strong finishing ability at the rim.
The coaching staff praised his basketball IQ and willingness to take on defensive assignments against top opponents. By midseason, he had earned a regular spot in the rotation, showing flashes of the all-around player he would become.
Sophomore Improvements
Richmond’s sophomore campaign saw significant development in his game. His scoring average jumped to double figures as he refined his offensive skillset. More importantly, his playmaking abilities blossomed, placing him among the top assist men in the Big East.
His rebounding numbers improved dramatically, unusual for a guard of his profile. This allowed St. John’s to play smaller lineups without sacrificing much on the glass. NBA scouts began taking notice of his unique combination of size and skill.
Key Sophomore Stats:
| Category | Average | Conference Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 12.4 | Top 20 |
| Rebounds | 6.4 | Top 15 (guards) |
| Assists | 5.3 | 5th |
| FG% | 48.7% | Top 15 |
Richmond earned honorable mention All-Big East honors and started to generate NBA draft buzz as a potential second-round selection.
Junior Year Performance
Richmond’s junior season has showcased his full development as an elite college guard. Named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Team, he’s emerged as the unquestioned leader for St. John’s. His impressive play earned him a spot on the Sporting News Midseason All-America Third Team.
Richmond’s statistical output has improved to impressive levels, averaging 15.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. His two-way impact has made him one of the most complete guards in NCAA basketball.
Draft analysts now project Richmond as a potential first-round selection, citing his positional size (6’6″), defensive versatility, and improved shooting. His ability to function as a true point guard with the size to defend multiple positions translates well to the modern NBA game.
As team captain, Richmond has also elevated the play of teammates, helping St. John’s compete for NCAA tournament positioning in a competitive Big East.
Player Profile and Skills
Kadary Richmond has established himself as one of the most versatile guards in college basketball. His unique combination of size, court vision, and defensive prowess makes him a standout performer for St. John’s and an intriguing NBA prospect.
Physical Attributes
At 6’6″ and 200 pounds, Richmond possesses exceptional size for a guard. His wingspan and length give him advantages on both ends of the floor. This size allows him to see over smaller defenders and finish through contact at the rim.
Richmond isn’t an elite athlete in terms of vertical explosion, but he compensates with great change of direction moves and deceptive quickness. His strength is evident when he absorbs contact on drives.
His frame is NBA-ready, giving him positional versatility that modern professional basketball demands. While not the fastest guard in transition, his size-strength combination creates mismatches against smaller defenders.
Positional Play: PG/SG
Richmond excels as a combo guard, capable of orchestrating the offense or playing off-ball. As a point guard, he leverages his size to see passing lanes others can’t, ranking 39th nationally with 5.3 assists per game.
His playmaking abilities shine in pick-and-roll situations where his patience and vision create opportunities for teammates. At shooting guard, he uses his size to post up smaller defenders and his crafty footwork to create scoring opportunities.
2024-25 Season Stats:
| Category | Average | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 12.4 | 150+ |
| Rebounds | 6.4 | 150+ |
| Assists | 5.3 | 39th |
| FG% | 48.7% | Tied-116th |
Strengths and Weaknesses
Richmond’s greatest strength lies in his two-way versatility. Defensively, he’s disruptive, ranking 10th all-time at Seton Hall with 183 steals before transferring to St. John’s. His length allows him to guard multiple positions effectively.
Offensively, he thrives as an off-the-dribble scorer with excellent change-of-pace moves. His basketball IQ shines in his decision-making and court awareness, particularly in clutch situations.
His shooting remains his primary weakness. Though his field goal percentage is solid, his three-point shooting needs improvement for NBA success. His free-throw shooting has also been inconsistent throughout his college career.
NBA scouts view Richmond as a potential second-round pick with first-round upside if his shooting develops.
Statistics and Achievements
Kadary Richmond has established himself as one of the most versatile guards in college basketball. His ability to impact games across multiple statistical categories has made him a standout player for St. John’s and previously at Syracuse.
College Statistics
Richmond’s 2024-25 season with St. John’s has showcased his all-around game. The 6-5 guard is averaging 12.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting an efficient 48.7% from the field. His assist numbers rank 39th nationally, highlighting his playmaking abilities.
Before a back injury cut his season short, Richmond had recorded 14 double-figure scoring games and five games with at least five assists. This production demonstrates his consistency as a floor general for the Red Storm.
| Season | Team | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | St. John’s | 12.4 | 6.4 | 5.3 | 48.7 |
Richmond’s versatility has caught the attention of NBA scouts. His size at the point guard position (6-5, 180 lbs) combined with his court vision and defensive instincts make him an intriguing prospect.
Awards and Honors
Though Richmond’s trophy case is still developing, his impact has been recognized within the Big East Conference. His move to St. John’s from Syracuse has allowed him to showcase his talents on a bigger stage in one of college basketball’s premier conferences.
Richmond entered college as the 89th ranked player in the 2020 RSCI Top 100, coming out of prestigious Brewster Academy. His Brooklyn roots and development have made him a fan favorite in New York.
NBA draft analysts have noted Richmond’s defensive instincts and passing ability as translatable skills at the next level. His combination of size and basketball IQ could help him carve out a role as a rotational guard in the professional ranks.
Professional Prospects
Kadary Richmond has positioned himself as a legitimate NBA prospect through his impressive performance at St. John’s. His combination of size, playmaking ability, and defensive prowess has caught the attention of scouts across professional basketball.
NBA Draft Potential
Richmond’s versatile skillset at the point guard position has steadily raised his draft stock. At 6’6″, he possesses excellent length for a combo guard, giving him a distinct advantage over smaller backcourt players. NBA scouts particularly value his:
- Elite court vision and playmaking ability
- Defensive versatility with disruptive hands in passing lanes
- Change-of-direction moves that create separation
- Improved shooting from previous seasons
According to multiple draft analysts, Richmond currently projects as a late first to early second-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. His draft profile compares favorably to a recent top-10 selection, highlighting his potential value at the next level.
Interest from Professional Teams
Richmond’s midseason accolades, including being named to The Sporting News Midseason All-America Third Team, have only intensified professional interest. Teams with needs at point guard like the Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls have reportedly sent multiple scouts to St. John’s games.
His performances in NCAA tournament games significantly boosted his visibility among NBA decision-makers. Teams value his NBA-ready frame and defensive instincts, though some questions remain about his outside shooting consistency. His workout schedule already includes planned sessions with at least six NBA franchises following the conclusion of St. John’s season.
Notable Games and Performances
Kadary Richmond has delivered several standout performances during his time at St. John’s, showcasing his versatility as a point guard who can score, rebound, and distribute at a high level.
Breakout Games
Richmond’s career-high game with the Red Storm came in January 2025, where he scored 19 points while adding seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals without committing a turnover. This complete performance highlighted his all-around impact.
During the 2025 NIT Tournament, Richmond elevated his play significantly. He was named to the NIT All-Tournament Team after averaging an impressive 13.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game throughout the tournament.
In a dominant victory over Omaha on March 20, 2025, Richmond helped lead St. John’s to an 83-53 win, showing his ability to perform on the NCAA tournament stage.
Rivalry Matches
Richmond has particularly shined in Big East competition, earning BIG EAST Player of the Week honors twice during his time with the Red Storm.
In the 2025 Big East Tournament semifinals, Richmond delivered a stat-stuffing performance with 12 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and three steals, shooting an efficient 5-of-10 from the field.
Richmond’s performance against his former team, Seton Hall, was particularly noteworthy. The transfer guard recorded 10 assists in that matchup, earning him Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association Player of the Week recognition.
NBA Draft Potential
| Skill Area | Rating | NBA Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Playmaking | 8/10 | Marcus Smart |
| Defense | 8/10 | Jrue Holiday |
| Rebounding | 7/10 | Lonzo Ball |
| Scoring | 6/10 | Josh Giddey |
Off-the-Court Activities
Kadary Richmond balances his basketball commitments with meaningful community work and personal pursuits that reveal the character behind the St. John’s standout guard.
Community Involvement
Richmond has made a significant impact in the Queens community during his time at St. John’s. He regularly volunteers at local youth basketball clinics, mentoring aspiring players from underserved neighborhoods. His commitment extends beyond the court, with Richmond organizing a holiday toy drive that collected over 500 gifts for children in need last December.
The standout guard also partners with the university’s literacy program, visiting elementary schools in the area twice monthly to read to students and emphasize the importance of education.
“It’s about giving back,” Richmond explained during a recent community event. “These kids need positive role models, and I take that responsibility seriously.”
Personal Interests
Away from basketball, Richmond maintains a surprisingly diverse set of interests. An avid chess player since childhood, he often challenges teammates to matches during road trips. This strategic thinking translates to his on-court vision that scouts have noted in NBA draft profiles.
Richmond is also pursuing a degree in communications with a minor in business management, maintaining a respectable 3.2 GPA despite his demanding athletic schedule. His academic focus reflects his post-basketball ambitions in sports management.
Music production has become Richmond’s creative outlet, with the guard setting up a small studio in his apartment where he produces beats during the offseason. Several teammates have mentioned his talent for finding relaxation through this artistic pursuit.
Media Coverage and Public Perception
Kadary Richmond’s rise with St. John’s has drawn significant media attention during the 2024-25 season. His unique personality and clutch performances have made him both a fan favorite and a subject of debate among basketball analysts.
Media Interviews and Features
Richmond has been portrayed as “the unassuming star” behind St. John’s resurgence this season. Coach Rick Pitino notably called him “the easiest great player I’ve coached by far,” describing Richmond as “a mix between a public introvert and a private extrovert.”
Media coverage has frequently focused on Richmond’s clutch performances, with several outlets dubbing him “Mr. Clutch”. His game-winning shots and late-game heroics have become highlight staples across sports networks.
The 6-foot-6 senior guard has maintained a relatively low-key media presence despite his on-court success. He rarely seeks the spotlight, letting his play speak for itself.
Fan and Analyst Opinions
Richmond’s all-around game has significantly raised his NBA draft stock. Most analysts now see him as a potential first-round selection.
NBA Draft Projection: Late First Round
| Skill | Rating (1-10) | NBA Comparable |
|---|---|---|
| Playmaking | 8 | Lonzo Ball |
| Defense | 9 | Jrue Holiday |
| Scoring | 7 | Josh Hart |
| Leadership | 8 | Marcus Smart |
Fans have embraced Richmond’s clutch performances during St. John’s tournament runs. His ability to fill the stat sheet (points, rebounds, assists, steals) has made him a favorite among analytics-focused fans.
Some controversy emerged when Richmond was surprisingly left off the All-Big East First Team despite leading St. John’s to conference success. This perceived snub rallied the fanbase behind him heading into March Madness.