Richardson, son of ex-Warriors guard, picks MSU

Prime-30 guard Jase Richardson, the son of former NBA veteran and nationwide champion Jason Richardson, introduced Sunday he plans to comply with in his father’s footsteps by committing to Michigan State over Alabama and Cincinnati.

Richardson is the third ESPN 100 dedication for the Spartans within the 2024 class.

“From the second I stepped on campus for my official go to there was an actual reference to the gamers and coaches. It felt like household,” he instructed ESPN. “I bear in mind my first go to to Michigan State, I used to be 7 years previous. It was my dad’s reunion on successful the nationwide championship.”

Richardson might be coached by longtime Spartans coach Tom Izzo, who additionally coached Jason Richardson, who helped MSU win its final nationwide championship in 2000. Izzo and the household have maintained a powerful relationship all through the method.

“Coach Izzo is a real particular person,” Richardson mentioned. “He tells you what you must hear. He retains it actual. We now have constructed a connection and belief. Extra importantly, he instructed me if my dad didn’t play at Michigan State, he would nonetheless recruit me and wish me. That meant loads to me.

“He would inform me tales about my dad. He instructed me he broke two taking pictures machines in a single season as a result of he used them a lot. He mentioned my dad nonetheless owes him a taking pictures machine.”

After serving to lead Michigan State to the title in 2000, Jason Richardson was picked fifth general by the Golden State Warriors within the 2001 NBA draft. He spent 14 seasons within the NBA for 5 totally different franchises, averaging double figures in scoring in all however one season and successful back-to-back NBA Slam Dunk Contests in 2002 and 2003.

A 6-foot-3 guard from Christopher Columbus Excessive Faculty (Florida), Jase Richardson is ranked No. 28 within the ESPN 100 for 2024 — the No. 6 level guard within the nation. He averaged 16.5 factors, 4.3 rebounds and three.8 assists for the PG Elite grassroots program on the Nike EYBL circuit final spring and summer time.

Richardson has sturdy playmaking potential, hanging a stability between scoring and distributing. He can transfer with out the ball to free himself and create photographs for himself when wanted. In the summertime, Richardson owned one of many highest assist-turnover ratios (3.24) within the class. He performs below management and his utilization will enhance as he grows as a 3-point shooter. He shows a burst of velocity to complete in transition in addition to off penetration within the half courtroom. The subsequent step for him might be turning into a dedicated defender.

He joins fellow ESPN 100 prospects Kur Teng (No. 39) and Jesse McCullough (No. 98) in Michigan State’s 2024 class. The Spartans ranked within the preseason prime 5 for the upcoming season however may lose guards Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard after this season, whereas Jaden Akins may look to the NBA. Richardson and Jeremy Fears, who was ranked No. 27 within the 2023 class, will assist fill their footwear.

“The ambiance of this system is wonderful, and they’re completely invested in this system. The scholar physique and the gamers find it irresistible there,” Richardson mentioned. “My [visit] host, Jeremy Fears, and I may make a harmful backcourt together with Kur Teng. I’m additionally excited to play with Jesse McCullough. He brings us depth and may shoot the 3-ball.”