As expected, Jase Richardson is a one-and-doner. According to Chris Vannini of The Athletic , Richardson left no mention of a possible return to Michigan State when he made his announcement.
“After an unbelievable season filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences, I’ve decided to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft ,” Richardson wrote. “I’m extremely grateful to Coach [Tom] Izzo and the entire Michigan State coaching staff for the opportunity to represent Michigan State Basketball . I can’t thank you all enough for your unwavering support and your commitment to my growth, both on and off the court.”
Son Of Former High NBA Lottery Pick Declares For 2025 NBA Draft, Where Is He Projected To Be Selected?
Richardson, the son of former NBA guard Jason Richardson, had a solid if unspectacular first collegiate season at his dad’s alma mater. Richardson came into his own once Izzo inserted the 19-year-old into the starting lineup in early February.
In 15 starts, Richardson upped his production to 241 points (16.1), 53 rebounds, and almost two three-pointers a game. A 2025 NCAA tournament all-Region selection, Ricjards closed the season strong, scoring double-figures in 14 of the starts and tallying a combined 90 points in six NCAA and conference tournament games.
Richardson averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 36 games overall. The 6-3 guard, a consensus top 35 recruit, made 1.3 threes a game with shooting splits of 49.3/41.2/83.6. The 2025 All-Big Ten third team selection scored in double-figures 23 times, topping the 20-point mark on six occasions. His best game came in his first start on February 8 against Oregon as he poured in a career-best 29 points on 9 of 13 shooting, including 3 of 6 from deep.
What The Film Says About Jase Richardson’s Game
Strengths
- Very efficient scorer
- Shooting: Quick-Sweet fluid lefty-handed shooting stroke
- Ability to slither to the basket and finish through contact
- Moves exceptionally well without the ball and plays with great pace
- Create space with feet
- Has a Sticktuidness on defense
- Can recover when beaten
- Playmaking
Weakness/ Improvement Areas
- Ball-handling
- Smallish for a shooting guard
- Not elite athletically
- Only average at getting to the foul line
Richardson came into college basketball as one of the top recruits in the nation. Richardson certainly didn’t disappoint and even exceeded expectations. He appears to be one of the several can’t prospects in a loaded 2025 draft class.
The athletic Richardson is a highly efficient three-level scorer who finishes well at the rim and through contact. The 6-3 guard is extremely quick, plays with great pace, and excels off the ball due to his high basketball IQ. He converted 69% of his attempts at the rim, though only five were dunks.
While moving without the ball is his specialty, Richardson does have the handles and footwork to create offense for himself and others. He also has a nice mid-range game, connecting on 40% of his mid-range jumpers.
Richardson shot an outstanding 41.2% from beyond the arc. He has a smooth, fluid jumper and does an outstanding job getting his feet set before raising up for the shot. While his three-point attempts may not seem like a lot, they accounted for 39% of his field goal attempts.
Richardson needs to improve his ball-handling, but he does have potential as a playmaker. He is an exceptional passer and knows how to get the ball to his teammates on time and on target. He also doesn’t turn the ball over.
Richardson was tenacious defensively at Michigan State and has the tools to translate that to the next level. His speed and instincts allow him to recover when defending off the ball and help him stick with ball-handlers.
Where is Richardson Projected to Get Drafted
Richardson is among the most exciting prospects in the 2025 NBA draft as he has lots of upside. But some questions still surround his game, and most have to do with his size. He is on the small size for a shooting guard, standing at 6-3 and weighing 185 pounds.
As a small guard, there is some concern about him being targeted defensively by opponents. Durability is a concern as well. Also, Richardson is likely better suited to play the one in the NBA, so there is a question whether he has the ball-handling skills to do so.
Additionally, Sam Westmoreland of The Big Lead brought up a few other interesting concerns.
“There are also questions about his ability to score and have success in iso sets, Westmoreland said. “Also, for a player of his size, Richardson projects to be more of a combo guard than a pure point guard or ball-handler at the next level. He’s not the quickest player on the court, and for all his skill at getting to the rim, more athletic players can lock him down.”
Still, Richardson won’t be 20 until October. So, he won’t be counted on by an NBA team to make an immediate impact. Plus, an intriguing comp for Richardson is Jalen Brunson . While Richardson and Brunson play a style, their skill sets are similar.
As a result, expect Richardson to be taken between 10th and 18th in this year’s draft. If this were a different class, he would likely go higher.
Richardson Draft Ratings
- ESPN: No. 13
- CBS Sports: No. 8
- USA Today: No. 13
- Bleacher Report: No. 9
- The Athletic: No. 10
Photo Credit: © Brett Davis, Imagn Images
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