Not many one-year players in East Lansing have had the kind of effect that Jase Richardson had on Michigan State during the 2024-25 season. He came in as a four-star prospect who wasn’t even Michigan State’s highest-ranked recruit, and left as an All-Big Ten-caliber guard who drew first-round NBA draft projections.
Richardson was not only an incredible talent, but he was also proof that Tom Izzo is one of the best talent developers in the country — contrary to what you hear from rival fans.
Several Spartans have gone from underrated as recruits to legitimate NBA prospects under Izzo’s watch, and that’s a testament to how great of a coach he is. Guys like Denzel Valentine and Draymond Green were overlooked in high school (to an extent), became first-round-caliber NBA talents, although the latter will still be able to name every single player drafted ahead of him. Surprisingly, he was a second-round pick.
Richardson is just the latest in the long line of developed players under Izzo’s watch, and fans had been eagerly awaiting his breakout in the NBA.
Through the first month of the season, it looked like Richardson was going to be primarily in a learning role. It’s common for rookies to be brought along gradually, and Richardson’s lack of playing time early on wasn’t a bad sign, but still, fans wanted to see him get an opportunity.
On Sunday night, he got it, and he didn’t disappoint.
The former Spartan star finished with 18 points, five rebounds, and two assists while shooting 7-for-11 from the floor and 3-for-4 from deep. He was making pretty much everything he put up, and although it came in a blowout loss, he still got the opportunity that he was waiting for.
let our rook cook!!!
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 24, 2025
Jase Richardson for three pic.twitter.com/f7v6NNRyjR
Richardson was doing everything he did at Michigan State: pull-up threes, and-ones on tough drives, and mid-range jumpers. Orlando Magic fans are starting to realize just why Michigan State fans adored Jason Richardson’s son so much. He’s a special player, and he’s also incredibly efficient.
Jase is always doing the right things, and that’s what winners do.
Give it time, but Richardson is going to be a big-time player in the NBA for years.