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Rick Pitino Predicts This NBA Draft Prospect Will Be a ‘Great One’

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 12:22 PM ET

The first round of the NBA draft is set to unfold on Wednesday night, with the second round taking place on Thursday.

While most of the attention has been centered around Cooper Flagg and a handful of top prospects leading up to draft night, legendary head coach Rick Pitino—currently at the helm of the St. John’s Red Storm—has his eye on a different name he believes could steal the spotlight.

That player is Red Storm standout Kadary Richmond.

Richmond, who played three seasons at Seton Hall before transferring to St. John’s, helped lead the Johnnies to both the Big East regular-season and conference tournament titles this past season. They earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament behind his leadership and two-way play.

“Someone will get a great one with Kadary Richmond,” Pitino posted. “You will be shocked how good he is on and off the court!”

Someone will get a great one with Kadary Richmond. You will be shocked how good he is on and off the court!
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) June 24, 2025

Currently projected as a late-second round pick—or even a potential undrafted free agent—Richmond could prove to be one of the biggest steals in this year’s class. And if the NBA has taught us anything, it’s that draft position isn’t everything.

Alex Caruso went undrafted and just played a pivotal role in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s postseason run. Austin Reaves, Fred VanVleet, and Duncan Robinson also entered the league without hearing their names called—and all became major contributors on contending teams.

Richmond averaged 12.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game for St. John’s last season. Standing at 6-foot-5, he possesses the size, skill set, and basketball IQ to be a well-rounded guard who can rebound, distribute, and finish around the rim.

The biggest question mark surrounding his transition to the NBA is his outside shooting. Richmond shot just 17.5% from three-point range last season—a glaring weakness that will need significant improvement if he hopes to realize the potential Rick Pitino believes he has at the next level.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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