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Four-star guard Will Richardson signed a National Letter of Intent with Oregon basketball earlier in the week. The 6-foot-4 prospect from the 2018 class publicly announced his commitment to the Ducks on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. PT.
The 38th overall prospect according to the ESPN 100, Richardson has been swarmed by the top programs in the country. Alabama, Butler, Florida, Ohio State, USC and VCU highlighted his list of pursuers.
At the end of the recruiting process, the Oak Hill Academy product narrowed his choices to Oregon, Gonzaga and home state Georgia before signing his NLI with Dana Altman.
Will Richardson to @247Sports: "I'm going to the University of Oregon." | Story: https://t.co/G2TMW3EOev pic.twitter.com/G1g6oM6eWs
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) November 16, 2017
UO basketball continues down their elite path with another national signing. Richardson joins a stout incoming class with five-star Louis King and four-star Miles Norris. At the end of the early signing period, this is already one of the greatest recruiting classes in program history.
Prior to Richardson signing the dotted line with UO, the Ducks were sporting the No. 20 ranked recruiting class. With the combo guard now firmly aboard, Oregon is sure to rise up the ranks. A Bol Bol commitment could place them at No. 1 overall.
With a team like Oregon, Richardson is a crucial signing. Not only do the Ducks lose senior guard Elijah Brown after the season, but true freshman Troy Brown has NBA Draft lottery potential. Regardless, Richardson will step in systematically.
According to 247sports.com, Richardson is the No. 34 overall player in the country for the 2018 class. Additionally, he’s the No. 4 ranked shooting guard and third-best player from the state of Georgia. Nevertheless, he can run the point with the best of them.
The future freshman will join a growing trend with Altman and the Ducks. Richardson will be the fourth Oregon southpaw in the last two years. Elijah Brown, Victor Bailey Jr. and Will Johnson are all lefties.
Oregon envisions Richardson making an immediate impact once he arrives. Overall, Richardson is a top-tier scorer. He can create off the dribble, while he uses both hands fluidly. He could be an ‘impactful’ starter from the outset.
The lefty gets dirty on defense, which is always welcomed by an Altman team. Richardson is an offensive nightmare for opposing defenses with his quicks and mid-range game. Nevertheless, he can score from anywhere on the floor.
As we wait for Bol Bol to make his announcement, the signature of Will Richardson has boosted an already solid foundation in Eugene.
If the Ducks were to sign the No. 1 ranked center from the ‘18 class, it could be the greatest recruiting class in program history. It would definitely be the No. 1 class in the land. One way or another, Oregon basketball is in great hands.
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