MEMPHIS — In his hometown, with his father being honored and hugging their coach in the pregame ceremony, Billy Richmond was primed for something big.
Of course, the Arkansas men’s basketball sophomore is always going to give the effort plays that have made him a fan favorite in Fayetteville. He is always going to dive on the floor, always going to make the extra effort.
Richmond had to be separated from a first-half scuffle with Memphis guard Dug McDaniel that led coach John Calipari to a familiar yell of “Billy, Billy, BILLY!”
But Richmond’s play in the Razorbacks’ 99-75 exhibition win over the Tigers on Monday at FedEx Forum gave a glimpse into what a sophomore jump could look like.