The NBA is nearing its return as teams started practice this week. It was the first real NBA practice for former Michigan State star and the latest Tom Izzo one-and-done, Jase Richardson.
It’s going to be fun following him this season with the Orlando Magic. He was their first-round pick, but he slid down to No. 25 overall. Earlier on in the process, he was projected as a lottery pick, but his measurables at the combine really scared some teams away.
The Magic still took their chances with him, picking him late in the first round. Orlando fans were more than pleased with the pick, especially since Jase’s dad played for the Magic at one point.
There was some speculation that Jase wasn’t thrilled with the fact that he didn’t get to play a ton of point guard at Michigan State, but those rumors were silenced since he’s been back to visit Izzo and the Spartans already — and Izzo was at his draft party.
Plus, Jase is still repping Michigan State while in the NBA. At practice this week, he was spotted wearing his green and white Spartan Nikes.
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 30, 2025
It’s cool to see Richardson competing with NBA stars. Yes, it’s sad that he’s no longer suiting up for the Spartans, but at least he’s still repping them.
Richardson still loves the Spartans, and let’s hope he becomes the next Michigan State player to go to the NBA and continue to show love to Izzo and Michigan State the way Jaren Jackson Jr., Draymond Green, and Miles Bridges do to this day.