7. Josh Richardson drafted into NBA
For the second straight summer, the Vols had at least one player taken in the NBA draft. And this time it was guard Josh Richardson.
Richardson was selected by the Miami Heat with the 40th overall pick in June’s draft this year, giving the Vols basketball program their third player drafted in the past two seasons. Forward Jarnell Stokes and guard Jordan McRae were taken in the 2014 draft the previous year.
As a senior for the Vols, Richardson was forced to play out of position at point guard because the Vols didn’t have any other options at the position. But Richardson never looked uncomfortable and posted career-highs in every major statistical category, averaging 16 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.1 steals a game.
Richardson has played sparingly so far for the Heat this season, but him being drafted was definitely a big deal for the basketball program this summer despite another lackluster season by the team.
