Michigan State’s Jase Richardson tells Jonathan Givony of ESPN that he’ll declare for the NBA draft.
The 19-year-old guard averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game with the Spartans this season while shooting 41% from three-point range. He earned a spot on the Big Ten’s All-Freshman Team and was named Third-Team All-Conference.
“I’m incredibly grateful to my teammates and coaches for the season we had,” Richardson said. “After evaluating everything with my family, this was the best decision for me. We had so many incredible moments as a team. Even though we didn’t go as far as I had hoped in the NCAA tournament, this is exactly how I wanted my freshman year to go. Winning the Big Ten championship and making the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019.”
The 6’3″ Richardson is viewed as a potential late lottery selection, ranking 13th in ESPN’s latest draft projections. Givony notes that his production increased after he was inserted into the starting lineup on February 8.
Givony cites Richardson’s “pace, skill level, feel for the game, perimeter shooting and high-intensity defense” as assets that he’ll bring to the NBA. He was also very accomplished at protecting the ball, committing just 30 turnovers in 912 minutes.
“Coach (Tom) Izzo taught me how to think the game through countless hours of film and conversations on and off the court,” Richardson said. “He actually coached me harder as the season moved on, pushing me more as he was putting more responsibility on my plate.”
Richardson, a second-generation player, is the son of Jason Richardson, who had a 13-year career in the NBA. Jase credits his father for putting him on the right track to succeed.
“My dad had the blueprint laid out for me for how I was going to get to my goals,” he said. “It’s really special to have someone like him next to me that has been through the process. I am always asking him for feedback and advice. We’re totally different players, so I don’t feel any pressure if people expect me to do what he did. I need to go out and show myself on my own.”
Obviously it’s the trend to get drafted ASAP but this kid probably does not need the money. Another year in college would prob help him.
Greed has taken the world over. Money is the most important thing to everyone