As the school year begins to wind down and college sports become more and more scarce, there are still things college athletics fans can look forward to, one of the being the NBA Draft. The Spartans are set to see a few players be taken in the NBA Draft this year, but Jace Richardson is set to have a big year in the draft.
As the son of former NBA star Jason Richardson, who spent 15 years in the league with five different teams, Jase Richardson is looking to follow in his father's footsteps and the big leagues. Richardson is a projected first-round selection, and with the draft getting closer and closer on June 25, 2025.
After spending just one season at Michigan State, Richardson feels he is ready to test the waters of the NBA. In his one season with the Spartans, Richardson averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, shooting 49.3% from he floor and 41.2% from three-point range.
With the draft getting closer, more and more mock drafts are coming out, and Richardson is finding himself moving up the draft boards. CBS Sports has released its latest mock draft, and it has Richardson landing in an intriguing spot with the Atlanta Hawks being taken with the No. 13 overall pick.
Jase Richardson's draft stock seems to keep rising as the NBA Draft gets closer
Richardson is currently ranked as the No. 8 prospect in the NBA Draft and the third-ranked guard. The Denver native has a keen ability to get to the bucket or simply get himself open for a good percentage shot. The pairing of Richardson with Hawks' stars Trae Young and Dyson Daniels is what makes this pick so intriguing.
Now, with the Draft still some ways away, Richardson has the ability to withdraw from the NBA Draft process by the June 15 deadline. If Richardson decides he wants to return to the college ranks and get a little more experience at the collegiate level, he can return to the Spartans for another season.
Richardson was crucial to Michigan State's success this past season, helping lead them to an Elite Eight appearance in just one season. The 6-foot-3 guard was an unlikely candidate to take over a starting spot on a very competitive Michigan State squad, but his talent showed out every time he took the court, earning his playing time.
In the BA, Richardson would still have a lot to learn, but clearly, some teams are very high on the young star and believe he has a bright career ahead.