Michigan State wrapped up the season with serious momentum. The Spartans ended at No. 7 in the final AP poll, leading all Big Ten teams. It was their best finish since 2019, the year they stormed to the Final Four. Under Tom Izzo’s leadership, this marked the 14th time the Spartans closed out in the top ten. Their journey this season was marked by grit, late-game heroics, and a defense that made every opponent work for points. They didn’t just win games: they reminded people that Michigan State still belongs in every championship conversation.
A big reason for that resurgence? Jase Richardson. The freshman guard showed incredible promise throughout the season. However, as all good things must come to an end, it’s the same case with Richardson. On Tuesday, he officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, putting an exclamation mark on a breakout year. He told ESPN this was the right move after sitting down with his family. His resume says it all: All-Freshman Team, third-team all-conference, and a sharp 41% from three. He led with poise beyond his years, especially after joining the starting lineup in February. Jase helped bring home a Big Ten title and carried them to their first Elite Eight since 2019.
One night Spartan fans won’t forget? That gritty 91-84 win over Iowa on March 6, 2025, when Jase Richardson dropped 22 points on the road to clinch the Big Ten regular season title outright. Coach Izzo couldn’t hide his grin, knowing his freshman had just carried them to the top of the conference.
And it’s clear that his performance left a lot of fans and players alike in awe! Such is the case for Magic Johnson, who quickly took to X to share his love for the 19-year-old. Soon after the announcement, Johnson wrote, “I want to thank Jase Richardson for a memorable and entertaining season for all Spartan fans around the world! We will always remember number 11 shooting those beautiful left-handed three pointers and the sensational drives to the basket. @JaseRich4”. He praised Richardson’s drives, calling them sensational. It’s clear he left his mark on the program.
I want to thank Jase Richardson for a memorable and entertaining season for all Spartan fans around the world! We will always remember number 11 shooting those beautiful left-handed three pointers and the sensational drives to the basket. @JaseRich4
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 9, 2025
Magic’s words hit home for a reason—he’s the guy who put MSU on the map back in ’79, leading them to a national title with that big smile and bigger game. For him to cheer Jase on like this? It’s like passing the torch to a new Spartan star.
However, Magic didn’t stop there. In a second post, he thanked Jase’s parents for trusting the Spartan program. He wrote, “Good luck as you take the next step in your career declaring for the NBA draft!” This gesture was more than just support. Magic and Jason Richardson both have roots in Michigan State, making this moment personal.
I especially want to thank your dad fellow Spartan and NBA great Jason and your mom Jackie for trusting in Coach Izzo and allowing you to represent Spartan Nation. Good luck as you take the next step in your career declaring for the NBA draft!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 9, 2025
Jase Richardson now follows the same path his father once walked. But he’s not just chasing a legacy: he’s building his own. With a strong season behind him and the NBA ahead, he carries the spirit of Spartan basketball forward. The fans won’t forget number 11 anytime soon.
Inside the mindset of Jase Richardson ahead of the NBA Draft
For Jase Richardson, this is the moment he is finally stepping into a moment he’s worked towards his whole life. After a season full of milestones, he shared with ESPN that declaring felt like the right call. “We had so many incredible moments as a team,” he said, grateful for what they achieved. Winning the Big Ten title and reaching the Elite Eight marked a high point. Even with unfinished business, his tone was calm, content, and focused on the next chapter.
Projected as the 13th pick in ESPN’s draft board, Jase’s numbers back up the hype. He averaged 12.1 points per game. He also pulled down 3.3 rebounds and added nearly 2 assists per game. What stood out, though, wasn’t just stats; it was his maturity, his poise, and his ability to adjust under pressure.
Once he entered the starting lineup in early February, Jase found another gear. His impact skyrocketed as his confidence grew. He played clean basketball, committing only 30 turnovers across 912 minutes, an impressive stat for a freshman. Coach Tom Izzo trusted him with more responsibility as the season went on. Jase said Izzo “pushed him harder” and helped him “think the game” through film and off-court talks.
His foundation runs deeper than coaching: it starts at home. His dad, Jason Richardson, was a Spartan legend and NBA lottery pick himself. But Jase isn’t trying to copy anyone. “I don’t feel any pressure to do what he did,” he said. With guidance, grit, and his own voice, Jase is carving out his own legacy now. All eyes will be on him come May and June.
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