Richardson to enter Big Sky Hall of Fame

One of the most talented players in the history of the University of Montana is set to enter the Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame. Michael Ray Richardson, UM's second leading scorer in program history and a three-time All-Big Sky First Team Selection, is set to be inducted by the league this July.

This is the fifth class in the league's history. Richardson joins Dave Dickenson, Robin Selvig, Shannon (Cate) Schweyen, Larry Krystkowiak, Don Read, Naseby Rhinehart, and Tim Hauck as Montana's recipients of the league's highest honor.

Richardson put together an unparalleled career at the University of Montana and beyond, putting up historic numbers in Missoula before being drafted 4^th overall in the 1978 NBA Draft.

"Michael Ray Richardson was arguably one of the best basketball players in the history of the Big Sky Conference," UM Director of Athletics Kent Haslam said. "Over the years, I've heard from so many fans about what an amazing experience it was to witness him play for the Grizzlies."

He came to the University of Montana following a prep career at Manual High School in Denver, Colo to play for legendary Grizzly head coach Jud Heathcote. As a freshman, Richardson played a key role on Montana's 1975 squad that won an NCAA Tournament game.

Richardson became a star as a sophomore, averaging 18.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for the Grizzlies. He increased his averages to 19.2 points and 8.6 rebounds as a junior.

His senior season still stands alone in Montana history as the guard averaged a program record 24.2 points per game to lead the Grizzlies to the Big Sky Championship in 1977-78.

Richardson finished his Grizzly career averaging over 17 points per game in 107 appearances, ranking second only to Larry Krystkowiak in program history in total points with 1,827. His scoring average of 17.1 is the best by a four-year player in Montana history.

More than just a scorer, Richardson ranks 7^th in program history with 372 career assists and 14^th in rebounding with 670 in his career. Richardson and Kareem Jamar are the only players in program history with at least 1,000 points, 600 rebounds, and 300 assists.

The three-time First Team All-Big Sky selection was an honorable mention AP All-American in 1977-78 and a Converse All-American honorable mention in 1976-77. He's one of just four men in program history to be named honorable mention by the Associated Press.

He helped lead Montana to two Big Sky titles and an NCAA Tournament win.

The New York Knicks selected Richardson with the 4^th pick in the 1978 NBA Draft, two picks before Larry Bird and the highest selection ever for a player from the University of Montana.

"Sugar Ray" made the NBA All-Star game in his second season, one of four teams that he would be named to in his career, averaging 15.3 points and a career high 10.1 assists per game. He led the league in assists that year and earned a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team.

Richardson led the league in steals three times in his career. After four years with the Knicks, he was traded to the Golden State Warriors. He was moved again one year later to the New Jersey Nets.

As a Net in 1984-85, Richardson won the league's Comeback Player of the Year award after averaging a career high 20.1 points, 8.2 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.0 steals per game.

Richardson will enter the Hall of Fame posthumously after passing away last November at the age of 70.

The 2026 Hall of Fame class was selected by a committee of 14 members, which included representative from all 10 full-time Big Sky institutions, as well as an additional Athletic Director, Senior Women's Administrator, a conference office representative, and an at-large committee member among the group of 14 voters.

2026 Big Sky Hall of Fame Class
Pam Parks, Eastern Washington (Volleyball Coach/Administrator)
Frank Hawkins, Nevada (Football Student-Athlete)
Erin Heins, Northern Arizona (Cross Country/Track and Field Coach)
Dennis Erickson, Idaho/Montana State (Coach/Student-Athlete)
Jackie Ross Maddox, Idaho (Track and Field Student-Athlete)
Amber Henry, Weber State (Cross Country/Track and Field Athlete)
Micheal Ray Richardson, Montana (Men's Basketball Student-Athlete)
Willie Sojourner, Weber State (Men's Basketball Student-Athlete)

Hall of Fame Eligibility Criteria

An alumnus/alumna is eligible only if he/she has participated in two (2) full seasons of competition at a Big Sky member institution and should have made outstanding contributions or offered extraordinary service to athletics at the institutional, conference and national level.
An alumnus/alumna is eligible at any time beginning five (5) years after completing their collegiate eligibility.
Coaches who have made outstanding contributions or offered extraordinary service to Big Sky athletics shall be eligible for recognition into the Hall of Fame after service of five (5) full years.
Coaches must have completed their tenure as coach or have been out of the conference for at least five (5) years.
Administrators who have made outstanding contributions or offered extraordinary service to Big Sky athletics shall be eligible for recognition into the Hall of Fame after service of three (3) full years and are immediately eligible.

University of Montana Athletics

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