Michigan State Spartans freshman guard Jase Richardson entered the 2024-25 season most known for following in the footsteps of his father, a former Spartan and NBA veteran Jason Richardson. But as the regular season comes to a close, the young southpaw is making a name for himself — while raising the ceiling of his team.
Jase Richardson’s Rise to Stardom Has Michigan State Eyeing a Deep Tournament Run
Richardson, a four-star recruit from Miami, Fla., began the 2024-25 season with a pair of solid efforts, scoring 22 total points in his first two outings.
But his scoring outputs soon became inconsistent, registering only seven more double-figure scoring efforts over his next 19 games. That stretch came with five contests where he failed to score above five points.
His minutes remained the same, hovering around the 20-25 minute mark throughout conference play. Despite his scoring struggles, the 19-year-old found other ways to contribute, totaling eight assists against the Minnesota Golden Gophers and swiping five steals against the Washington Huskies.
On Feb. 4, Richardson went 0 of 6 from the field and scored only four points, all on free throws. His 16 minutes on the floor were his second-fewest of the season. He seemed to be on the verge of falling out of the rotation.
In the Spartans’ next game, the unfortunate illness of fellow freshman guard Jeremy Fears thrust Richardson into the starting lineup against the Oregon Ducks, providing a huge opportunity for the former four-star recruit.
Richardson scored his first two points from the free throw line before nailing a three-pointer with just under 15 minutes to go in the half. The next possession down, the lefty came off a screen and found himself alone from beyond the arc.
An Oregon timeout ensued after Richardson’s second consecutive three-pointer reached the bottom of the net.
The freshman shot once more in the first half, scoring three points on a jumper and a free throw. The Spartans went into halftime down 50-36. Something had to change, or else Michigan State would suffer an upset loss at home.
Richardson came out aggressive to begin the second half, connecting on a floater plus the foul, completing a three-point play to cut the lead to eight.
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Three minutes later, he nailed his third three-pointer of the game, diminishing the lead to a mere three points with 16 minutes remaining in the game.
His contested layup a minute later cut the lead to one point. Fox’s play-by-play announcer Brandon Gaudin said it best after Richardson converted the tough finish.
“My goodness, this kid is growing up today!”
In all, Richardson finished with a game-high 29 points, the catalyst behind the Spartans 86-74 come from behind victory over the Ducks.
He’s followed the breakthrough showing with four more of his best performances this season. What began as a hot streak can no longer be considered as such due to his consistent excellence.
To be precise, over his last five games, he’s averaging 17.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.0 spg on 54.7% shooting from the field, 40.0% from three-point range, and 90.9% from the free throw stripe.
His emergence has undoubtedly raised the ceiling of an already impressive Spartans squad.
Over the course of the season, senior guard Jaden Akins is Michigan State’s leading scorer at 13.0 ppg, though he has only three 20+ point scoring outputs this season, with two of which coming in November. Behind him, no other scorer was averaging in double figures prior to Richardson’s breakthrough.
Despite the lack of firepower, the Spartans held an 18-4 record going into the matchup against the Ducks. They’ve continued their winning ways since, with a 4-1 record and a lone loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini.
While the record over the last five games doesn’t reflect Richardson’s true impact, those around college basketball have taken notice that his scoring ability provides the Spartans with a dynamic offensive skillset that they’d previously been missing.
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A sure-fire NCAA Tournament team and among those vying for a top-four seed, Michigan State was already hopeful and loading up towards a long run in the tournament.
But with their stingy defense and the explosive scoring nature that Richardson brings to the table, the Spartans have now pushed their way into being a top-tier contender for a national championship come April.
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