Jase Richardson talks relationship with Tom Izzo, advice from his father

A fun story to follow over the next 3-4 years on the Michigan State basketball team is incoming freshman Jase Richardson. In case you didn’t know, Richardson is the son of Spartan legend Jason Richardson, who played in an integral part as a freshman on Tom Izzo’s 2000 national championship team.

Now it’s the younger Richardson’s turn to see what legacy he can leave by the time his career is done.

Richardson recently did an interview with Owen Oszust of WILX and shared some interesting details both about his relationship with Izzo and what his dad warned him about Izzo.

Jase Richardson details unique relationship with Tom Izzo

Growing up as the son of one of Izzo’s national championship players, you can only imagine what kind of relationship Richardson built both with the program and Izzo himself. When talking about this, Richardson shared, “This just feels like one big family. Growing up knowing Izzo, it’s been like a family bond.”

Richardson continued, “I feel like he’s (Izzo) gonna be a little harder on me now. He’s been a great guy to me, just checking up on me and taking care of me.”

We all know Izzo cares about each of his players, but something tells me he has a special place in his heart for Richardson and his family. But it’s that unique relationship that makes their player-coach relationship potentially a little challenging.

It’s pretty clear that Richardson and Izzo know each other already on a pretty personal level, and since Izzo’s never been Richardson’s coach he’s probably only seen his happy side. But don’t worry, his dad warned him about what to expect now that he’s Izzo’s player.

Jason Richardson warns Jase about Tom Izzo’s coaching style

Jason Richardson recently told Jase, “Just expect Izzo’s yelling, that’s the one thing he told me about him. I’ve been watching a couple games, I’ve been seeing it so I’ve gotta get ready for that.”

Of all the things Jason Richardson could’ve told his son about Izzo it’s quite funny this is what he said. Izzo’s coaching style and the way he gets into guys is something every former player of his mentions, but it’s awesome to see someone who played in the early 2000s express that same sentiment.

The relationship between Richardson and Izzo has a chance to be a special one. Then you add in the fact that Richardson is an elite player and he himself has a chance to go down as a Michigan State basketball legend, just like his father.