It's been a whirlwind of a week already for Michigan State star Jase Richardson as his measurements were released on Monday at the NBA Combine and they had people everywhere talking.
The freshman guard measured at 6-foot-0.5 which is about 2.5 inches shorter than his listed height on Michigan State's roster. That's not ideal, but it's also not something that should completely shatter his draft stock (although it does seem like he slipping out of the lottery range).
With that "hit" to his stock on Monday, he knew he had to make some noise in the actual on-court drills and he's done just that.
Outside of showcasing an impressive and efficient jumper, Richardson's athleticism was measured with a vertical leap and his results were rather eye-opening.
According to the numbers, Richardson finished just behind super-athlete VJ Edgecombe from Baylor.
Notable max vertical results in the second group:
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) May 13, 2025
Jase Richardson: 38.0 in
Jeremiah Fears: 36.5 in
Kasparas Jakucionis: 35.0 in
Egor Demin: 32.0 in https://t.co/LMBJumrSCL
While his 38-inch vertical is nothing compared to Coen Carr's reported 51.5-inch vertical which actually breaks a Guinness World Record, it's still impressive for a 6-foot-0.5 guard who is being projected as a point at the next level because of his size. That vertical is impressive, though, and further proves that Michigan State had one of the most athletic teams in the country this past season.
Who could have guessed that Richardson was one of the best pure athletes in this year's NBA Draft based on that leaping ability alone? Obviously his dad was an elite leaper, but he didn't showcase that ability much at Michigan State because he was more of a crafty finisher.
Richardson's stock is likely headed back in the right direction after Tuesday's events as he is showing that his height won't matter at the next level.