Tom Izzo feels ‘reinvigorated’ by Elite Eight run, MSU basketball
MSU head coach Tom Izzo fell to 8-3 in Elite Eight games in a night that was all Auburn from the start in March Madness, March 30, 2025 in Atlanta.
Jase Richardson is following in his father’s footsteps.
Michigan State basketball’s burgeoning star guard announced Tuesday on Instagram he will test the NBA draft process after a stellar freshman season under Tom Izzo.
Richardson’s father, Jason, won a national championship as a freshman with Izzo and the Spartans in 2000, and the Saginaw native came back for his second year and helped lead MSU to a third straight Final Four appearance in 2001.
nstagram.com
| To my teammates, the bonds and |
| memories we created this year will |
| last a lifetime. You pushed me |
| every day to be better, and I’m |
| proud to call you my brothers. |
What Jase Richardson wrote
“After an unbelievable season filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences, I’ve decided to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft.
“I’m extremely grateful to Coach 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.
“Finally, I wouldn’t be here without the love, sacrifice and support of my family. You’ve been with me every step of the way, and no words can truly express my gratitude for your continued belief in the player I’m becoming.
“This is an exciting step in my journey, and I’m looking forward to see what GOD has planned for me. I’m forever grateful to the Spartan community for all their support throughout the season and honored to be a Spartan Dawg.
“Go Green.”
Big Green impression
The younger Richardson entered the Spartans’ starting lineup in early February and helped lead them to a 17-3 record and outright Big Ten regular-season championship, guiding Izzo to his record 27th straight NCAA tournament appearance and his 11th Elite Eight berth. MSU finished 30-7, the sixth time in Izzo’s 30 seasons with 30 or more wins.
Jase Richardson, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound combo guard, emerged as the Spartans’ go-to guy on offense while averaging 16.1 points and 30.5 minutes in starting the final 15 games. He shot 42% from 3-point range while grabbing 4.6 rebounds and dishing out 1.7 assists per game over that span.
For the season, Richardson averaged 12.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per games over 25.3 minutes, making a team-leading 41.2% of his 3-point attempts and shooting 49.3% overall.
A mock NBA draft from Bleacher Report and posted by NBA.com that has been updated throughout the NCAA tournament has Richardson going No. 8 overall in the June 25 draft. Recent mock drafts from ESPN.com, The Athletic and CBSSports.com have him going to Miami (No. 12/No. 10/No. 8, per each website), while SportsIllustrated.com has him going No. 14 to Dallas and NBAdraft.net has him going No. 15 to San Antonio.
Jason Richardson was the No. 5 overall pick of Golden State in the 2001 draft and played 13 seasons in the league, winning two Slam Dunk contests and leading the NBA in 3-point shooting once but never making an All-Star team despite averaging 17.1 points and 5.0 rebounds for his career.
Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him @chrissolari.
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