Legacy in Motion: Jase Richardson Follows Father’s Footsteps at Michigan State

DETROIT, Mich. — Jase Richardson, the son of NBA veteran Jason Richardson, is making waves with the Michigan State Spartans as they advance to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament. The sophomore guard has inherited his father’s competitive spirit and talent, positioning himself as a promising NBA prospect.

Jase, 19, is currently playing for the Spartans, who are the No. 2 seed in the South region. As his team prepares to take on their next opponent for a chance to reach the Final Four, the legacy of his father looms large. Jason Richardson was a key player on the Spartans’ 2000 national championship team, which was led by head coach Tom Izzo and marked the program’s second title.

“I chose Michigan State because of the team and the coaching staff,” Jase said. “I feel like I had a connection with everyone and from the start, we built a great relationship.” He has become an integral player for the Spartans this season, averaging 12.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game over 35 contests, 14 of which he started.

Jason Richardson, a consensus second-team All-American during his college days, supports his son at games whenever possible. The elder Richardson, who played a major role in MSU’s championship win, once dazzled crowds with his explosive dunks and was named the NBA’s slam dunk champion in both 2002 and 2003.

Jase is making a name for himself on the court as well, averaging an impressive shooting percentage of 51.2% overall, along with 42% from three-point range. His performance has caught the eye of NBA scouts, with projections placing him in the middle of the first round of the upcoming NBA Draft. He was projected to go 16th overall at the start of the tournament, with some sources suggesting a possible selection at No. 12 by the Miami Heat.

At a height of 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 185 pounds, Jase’s left-handed play style has made him a dual-threat on the court, capable of both scoring and facilitating for his teammates. This season, he has contributed 67 assists against 30 turnovers, along with 27 steals and 10 blocks, enhancing MSU’s chances in the tournament.

Jase’s connection to basketball is strong, with a mother who played at the University of Colorado-Denver, further highlighting the athletic legacy in his family. As the Spartans gear up for their Elite Eight matchup, fans are eager to see if Jase can lead them to new heights, continuing the family tradition of success in college basketball.