MSU freshman Richardson to go into NBA draft

• Jonathan GivonyApr 8, 2025, 12:17 PM ET Close NBA draft analyst and author Joined ESPN.com in July 2017
  Founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a personal hunting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and global teams

Michigan State freshman Jase Richardson, a forecasted lotto pick, will get in the 2025 NBA draft, he told ESPN on Tuesday.

“I’m incredibly grateful to my teammates and coaches for the season we had,” Richardson informed ESPN. “After assessing everything with my household, this was the best decision for me. We had numerous incredible moments as a group. Although we didn’t go as far as I had actually hoped in the NCAA tournament, this is precisely how I desired my freshman year to go. Winning the Huge 10 champion and making the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019.”

Richardson, the No. 13 possibility in ESPN’s NBA draft projections, was called to the Huge Ten’s All-Freshman Team and third-team all-conference after balancing 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 helps per game, shooting 41% for 3.

Editor’s Picks

1 Related The 19-year-old discovered another gear with his efficiency as the season proceeded, particularly after being placed into the beginning lineup for Michigan State on Feb. 8.

His pace, ability level, feel for the game, perimeter shooting, and high-intensity defense provide him an excellent structure to develop on long-lasting. He plays an abnormally mistake-free style of basketball (30 turnovers in 912 minutes), assisting him earn the trust of Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo.

“Coach Izzo taught me how to think the game through many hours of film and conversations on and off the court,” Richardson said, “He in fact coached me harder as the season moved on, pressing me more as he was putting more responsibility on my plate.”

Jase’s daddy is Jason Richardson, an All-American and nationwide champ at Michigan State who was the No. 5 choice in the 2001 draft and went on to have an extremely productive 13-year NBA career.

“My daddy had actually the plan set out for me for how I was going to get to my objectives,” Jase Richardson stated. “It’s actually unique to have someone like him beside me that has actually been through the process. I am always asking him for feedback and guidance. We’re absolutely different players, so I do not feel any pressure if individuals expect me to do what he did. I need to head out and show myself on my own.”

The NBA draft integrate will be held May 11-18 in Chicago, and the draft will be June 25-26 in New York.Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private searching and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and International teams.