Kentucky Wildcat, Nick Richards out of Jamaica is considered one of the top big men prospects in the 2017 high school class. We had the opportunity to talk to Richards during McDonald’s week, here’s what he had to say.
NBADraft.net: How has Chicago and McDonald’s week been?
Nick Richards: I’m really blessed and honored to be here. It’s been a fun week. Just trying to go through the scrimmage and get ready for the game tomorrow.
NBADraft.net: Do you feel like you have anything to prove playing in this game?
Nick Richards: No matter what game it is I’m always trying to show that I’m the best player out there. I’m ready to step up to the challenge and it’s the best high school kids in the country.
NBADraft.net: What separates you from your peers who are playing in this game?
Nick Richards: Nobody can run the floor like me, nobody can blocks shots like me.
NBADraft.net: How would you best describe your game to somebody?
Nick Richards: Most people compare me to DeAndre Jordan and Anthony Davis but I just like to figure myself out.
NBADraft.net: Do you model your game after anybody?
Nick Richards: No I just try to be myself.
NBADraft.net: What’s the main thing you want to add or work on before you go to college?
Nick Richards: I’m trying to get like an offensive game. I’m trying to work on my face up on the perimeter, trying to beat people off the bounce, and just trying to do a little bit of everything.
NBADraft.net: Who’s the best player you’ve ever played against?
Nick Richards: The best player I’ve ever played against would probably be DeMarcus Cousins.
NBADraft.net: Can you talk a little bit about coming to America?
Nick Richards: My first year was like a whole different type of environment. I didn’t really understand much of what was going on. I was trying to go through the flow, just trying to stick around the basketball team mostly. My second year is when I started to be like a little more friendly to people.
NBADraft.net: When did you come over?
Nick Richards: Freshman year. That was my first year.
NBADraft.net: Do you consider it a good decision?
Nick Richards: Yeah it was a good decision.
NBADraft.net: What attracted you to Kentucky?
Nick Richards: Players, just the coaching staff, the school environment. That’s basically the whole entire thing.
NBADraft.net: Do you feel pressure with a lot of players probably leaving?
Nick Richards: Not really. Whatever happens I’m just going to go out, play my game and do what I got to do to show my skills, and try to get a national championship.
NBADraft.net: Have you tried recruiting any of the uncommitted players here?
Nick Richards: Mo (Bamba) and Kevin (Knox) mostly.
NBADraft.net: What’s been your biggest moment of your basketball career so far?
Nick Richards: Biggest moment…just McDonald’s All American.
NBADraft.net: If you could go back and give advice to a ninth grade Nick Richards, what would you say?
Nick Richards: Should’ve played basketball earlier.
NBADraft.net: When you came over, is that when you decided to take it seriously?
Nick Richards: I was like a really big person when I was younger but my first year playing it, that’s when I really fell in love with it. That’s when I decided.
NBADraft.net: Did you make any changes to your diet or workout routine once you made that commitment?
Nick Richards: My workout routine.
NBADraft.net: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Nick Richards: Five years from now…a top 20 player in the NBA.
Hope the young man is ready
Hope the young man is ready to play this upcoming season Kentucky needs him to be.