By Keith Taylor
Kentucky Today
Nick Richards is a huge soccer fan.
“Growing up in Jamaica, basically that’s everybody’s sport and we are not really good at it, but everybody watches every regular-season game, like Madrid versus Barcelona and Chelsea versus Manchester United, those type of games,” he said. “We stayed up to watch (the games).”
Kentucky freshman Nick Richards grew up following soccer, but later discovered a passion for basketball and is striving to become a better player on the court. (UK Athletics Photo)
During his childhood, Richards thought he would become a soccer player, but things changed when he discovered the sport of basketball. It was then, Richards began pursuing a career on the hardwood.
“Me and my friends were just joking around one day and we decided to pick up a basketball and just play,” he said. “The coach saw that I wasn’t really that good, but he could see something in me. That’s when I decided to (play basketball) and he told me to come out and play with him.”
Richards played at St. Patrick School in New Jersey, the same program that produced former Kentucky standout Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Duke star Kyrie Irving. Although not close friends, Richards maintains a casual relationship with Kidd-Gilchrist.
“We went to the same school,” Richards said. “We haven’t been talking or anything like that. Whenever I see him in person or if he’s talking to one of the coaches and he’s on the phone, I will have a little conversation.”
Richards wasn’t very skilled when he began playing, but steadily improved to the point that he was one of the most sought after recruits in the current freshman class.
“You have a lot to learn, because the game is always evolving,” he said. “There’s always some aspect of the game you can work on. I’m just trying to find myself with a foundation to work on and get better as a person.”
That foundation is rebounding, where Richards is striving to become a better player around the basket on both ends of the floor. He admitted it won’t be easy to reach his goals, but wants to be a better overall player.
“I struggle getting rebounds with two hands,” Richards said. “I’m trying to focus more on catching the ball. I’m trying to be the leading rebounder in the SEC. You always have be team first and the goal always is to win the national championship.”
Although still learning the game, Richards believes he can succeed and become a dominant player in the post.
“My overall confidence with the game has improved, my rebounding has improved and my IQ for the game has improved,” he said. “My offensive game is not what I’m focusing on, but right now it’s improving.”
In order to reach his full potential, Richards said he will have to be dedicated in the gym the entire season and doesn’t want to become complacent.
“You have to come into the gym every day wth the mindset that you have to get better and work on some aspect of your game,” he said. “There’s always room for improvement and that’s my mindset all of the time. “
Richards isn’t sure how much playing time awaits him this season, but is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed on and off the court.
“Right now, I really don’t know my role (on the team) is going to be,” he said. “I’m going into the season with the mind frame f whatever my team needs me to do to win, that’s what I will do.”
Keith Taylor is sports editor for Kentucky Today. Reach him at keith.taylor@kentuckytoday.com or twitter @keithtaylor21.
