Todd Will Richard’s Golden Surprises in Orlando

Golden State The warriors had an unexpected and touching moment before their matchup in Orlando, as former Florida Gators standout Will Richard received a surprise visit from the very coach who helped shape his college path.

Florida head coach Todd Golden and assistant coach Carlin Hartman made a special trip to deliver Richard’s 2025 national championship ring, catching the Warriors guard completely off guard in a moment that quickly became a viral highlight across the basketball world.

Will got his ring

Coach Golden and Coach Hartman went to Orlando to surprise Will Richard with his 2025 National Championship ring. pic.tvitter.com/kj83ZugZrD

— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) November 19, 2025

Fresh off Florida’s 82-68 win over Miami on a road trip through Jacksonville, Golden decided to extend his cross-state trip south to Orlando for a far more personal mission. With the Gators’ newly minted championship rings finally in hand, he wanted to make sure that Richard, now in the NBA, unforgettably received his.

The surprise came during a team meeting for the Warriors. Head coach Steve Kerr opened the door for Golden and Hartman, ushering them into the room as he noted Golden State’s proud connection to the Gators.

The Warriors currently have two former Florida state champions: veteran big man Al Horfordwho won back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007 and the most recent addition, Will Richard, who helped Florida win the championship in 2025.

Richard, now playing his role with the Warriors, couldn’t hide his excitement as Golden handed him the ring, a symbol of the program’s return to national prominence and Richard’s impact during their run for the 2025 title.

Teammates cheered as the young guard tried out at ringside, while Golden and Hartman shared an emotional moment before rejoining the Gators on their own schedule.

For the Warriors, it was a rare pregame moment that blended NBA competition with college heritage. For Richard, it was a reminder of the journey that got him to this stage, and the program that has remained deeply connected to him, even as his career took off in Golden State.

With the surprise celebration over, Richard returned to game preparations, now with his own championship ring to fuel the next chapter of his basketball story.