Freshman Star Richardson Impresses as NBA Draft Buzz Grows

EAST LANSING, Mich. — As conference play heats up, standout freshmen are making their mark in college basketball, with Michigan State’s Jace Richardson emerging as a potential first-round NBA draft pick.

Richardson, the son of former NBA player, has been instrumental in his team’s success, playing over 25 minutes in four consecutive games. According to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, his recent performance has placed him on the radar of NBA scouts. “Just a tremendous overall basketball player,” Vecenie noted. “Every time I watch him, he’s like ‘Oh wow, he knows exactly where he needs to be every single time that he’s on the court.’”

In the past week, Richardson has demonstrated his versatility, showcasing impressive footwork and physicality when driving to the basket. “He’s quite physical getting into the lane. It’s not nearly as good as what his father was, but you can see a little bit of that in terms of playing off two feet, constantly playing on balance, making sure he gets to his spots as a lefty,” Vecenie added.

Since February 8, Richardson’s average playing time has jumped to nearly 31 minutes per game, while his efficiency has also improved significantly. He has achieved a remarkable 64% success rate on two-point shots and tied his career-high with three made three-pointers in a recent game against the Ducks.

Michigan State’s performance has benefited greatly from Richardson’s contributions, winning three games in a row, including a victory against the ranked Purdue team. As Michigan State seeks to bolster their NCAA Tournament prospects, Richardson has become a key player to watch.

Vecenie particularly commended Richardson’s advanced metrics, emphasizing that despite his undersized stature at about 6-2, his defensive capabilities and basketball IQ elevate his game. “All of the numbers kind of track here,” Vecenie said. “He’s small, but he knows where to be and processes the game quickly. He’s a havoc player. I believe in him.”

Richardson is projected to be selected beyond the NBA lottery according to On3, which currently has him slated as the No. 23 overall pick to the Atlanta Hawks in their latest mock draft posted on February 6. However, with the remaining schedule of Big Ten games, the upcoming Big Ten Tournament, and potential NCAA Tournament appearances, Richardson has ample opportunities to improve his draft stock.