EAST LANSING, Mich. — When Jase Richardson stepped onto Michigan State’s campus last fall, he was largely recognized as the son of former Spartans and NBA player, Jason Richardson. However, Jase has rapidly established his own identity as a standout freshman guard, playing a pivotal role in the success of the Big Ten champions.
Reflecting on his journey, Jase Richardson admitted, “It’s incredibly rewarding for me. Coming here, I had to work hard and forge my own path. Many will inevitably compare my actions to my dad’s, but I am determined to show everyone what I can uniquely offer.”
True to his word, Jase has indeed proven himself. His exceptional performance helped elevate the Spartans, who began the season unranked, to the top spot in the Big Ten Tournament and climb to the No. 7 position in the AP Top 25 rankings. Cementing his growing reputation, Jase clinched the title of Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the third consecutive week.
The Big Ten’s award announcements loom ahead, but Jase has already garnered attention from many, including TV analyst and former Purdue star Robbie Hummel. “Given his impressive performances in crucial games, he absolutely deserves recognition,” Hummel remarked. “Even if his stats don’t tell the full story, his maturity and calm demeanor, reminiscent of seasoned upperclassmen, truly set him apart.”
This season, Jase has maintained a remarkable 52.4% shooting accuracy, a feat for any guard frequently taking jump shots. His average stands at 11.6 points in 24 minutes per game, contributing to a well-balanced team where seven players score at least seven points in a dynamic 10-person rotation.
Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo, celebrating his 11th Big Ten title in his 30-year tenure, voiced his admiration for Jase. “Few players have shown such efficiency and confidence. He’s neither arrogant nor overconfident, just a remarkably influential freshman,” Izzo stated. “His contributions have been crucial to our championship win.”
On average, the 6-foot-3, 185-pound Jase also delivers 3.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game, with less than one turnover per game.
Interestingly, Jason Richardson, who once played for Michigan State and was later drafted by the Golden State Warriors as the No. 5 overall pick, attributes Jase’s on-court acumen to his wife, Jackie Paul Richardson. As a former college basketball player herself, Jackie began coaching Jase when he was just 6 years old.
“She instilled the fundamentals in us, emphasizing precision and the correct shot form,” Jase acknowledged. “She taught me the importance of reading the game and identifying opportunities.”
Taking the starting position for the first time a month ago when Jeremy Fears was sidelined due to illness, Jase impressed with a career-high 29 points against Oregon and has since remained a fixture in the starting lineup. The Spartans have an 8-1 record with Jase starting, concluding the regular season on a high note with seven wins, including five against top-ranked opponents. As a starter, Jase is averaging nearly 17 points and five rebounds per game, hitting 53% of his shots.
Rivalry games against Michigan showcased Jase’s impact, with Michigan State claiming two victories thanks partly to his combined 39 points and 11 rebounds.
Michigan’s coach, Dusty May, remarked, “He brings an incredible level of poise, an impressive quality for any freshman, influencing the game in numerous ways.”
