LEXINGTON — John Calipari keeps using familial connections to his advantage. And the latest example came Thursday, when Billy Richmond III became the latest member of Kentucky basketball's 2024 recruiting class.

Richmond, a five-star small forward according to the 247Sports Composite, announced his commitment via social media. He picked UK over Memphis.

Richmond is the Wildcats' fifth pledge in the 2024 cycle, joining centers Somto Cyril and Jayden Quaintance and point guards Boogie Fland and Travis Perry.

The 6-foot-6, 205-pound Richmond is ranked among the top 35 players in his class by the four major recruiting databases: Rivals, 247Sports, ESPN and On3. Rivals assessed him as a five-star prospect, while the other three services gave him four stars. Richmond is ranked No. 20 in Rivals' rankings, No. 24 by 247Sports and On3 and No. 34 by ESPN. Per the 247Sports Composite rankings, he's the No. 23 prospect nationally in 2024, and No. 5 at his position.

With Richmond's commitment, Kentucky strengthened a class that already ranked No. 2 in 247Sports' Composite team rankings. The only team ranked ahead of UK is Duke, which features Cooper Flagg, the nation's top-ranked prospect in 2024.

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Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky basketball: Billy Richmond announces commitment