BASKETBALL

Jase Richardson officially declares for NBA draft

This one hurts, but it’s expected.

Published

10 months ago

April 8, 2025

Ben Schadel

It finally happened. Jase Richardson announced on his Instagram story that he will declare for the NBA draft.

According to multiple reports, Richardson is not going to withdraw from the pool, so it looks like it’s goodbye to the freshman star.

NEWS: #MichiganState freshman guard Jase Richardson is declaring for the NBA Draft.

A source clarified to me that he’s a full go and is not expected to consider withdrawing.

My thoughts on the decision & what this now means for MSU’s portal plan: https://t.co/uGSNM9KjoY (VIP) pic.twitter.com/vH9cdAWIQD

— Justin Thind (@JustinThind) April 8, 2025

Multiple mocks project Richardson as a lottery selection, and after scoring 12.1 points per game on almost 50 percent shooting from the field, those projections are looking to be true. His 6-foot-3, 185-pound body supports his NBA future as well.

Richardson started the year off the bench, but after showed his talent, the freshman was promoted to a starting role, a rare feat for an Izzo-coached freshman. The last freshman to start for an extended period of time? Max Christie. He, too, declared after one year.

From there he took off, rising the ranks and taking MSU basketball to higher heights as the Spartans continued to dominate opponents in Big Ten play. His 29 points against Oregon on Feb. 8 pushed State’s second half comeback to take a game they desperately needed after losing two straight.

From then on, the freshman would not play less than 21 minutes in a single game. Richardson boosted the team’s play on and off the court, bringing life to an already hyped up locker room.

The name on the back of his jersey did not sway Richardson’s performance either. His father, Jason, also played basketball at Michigan State back on the 2000 national championship team. During his freshman year at MSU, Jason averaged 5.1 points per game, which was elevated to 14.7 a year later on the same team.

Jason then was awarded by being selected fifth overall in the 2001 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors, where he carved out an excellent career. Jase Richardson does not possess the same style of play that his father did, but never the less, he carries the same mindset on the court as Jason did each and every game.

Look out for Jase’s future as it unfolds. Spartan fans everywhere will continue to monitor his presence even after Richardson leaves campus in the spring.