Jase Richardson's NBA dream came true on Wednesday night as his name was called with the No. 25 overall pick in the draft thanks to the Orlando Magic.
Richardson watched with his family and friends (and Tom Izzo) on Wednesday night and you could see the weight of the world lifted off his shoulders when his name was finally called. He hugged his mom, dad, and brother right after he was selected, and then he was seen embracing his former coach.
Little did he know, Izzo may have been responsible for his NBA Draft destination.
The Hall of Fame head coach sent a text to Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman before the draft and gave a sparkling review of his freshman star.
#Magic’s Jeff Weltman read a text he received before the draft from MSU’s Tom Izzo about Jase Richardson:
— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) June 26, 2025
“From Coach Izzo: ‘He’s a great player — a better teammate and person. He has a quality many don’t have anymore. High basketball IQ and winning is very important to him.’” pic.twitter.com/vfPoZLwiaK
That Izzo endorsement was all Weltman needed to see before he pulled the trigger on Richardson at No. 25 overall. Orlando probably didn't expect Jase to fall into its lap at No. 25 but they jumped at the opportunity to add another shooter to the roster who can also make plays for his teammates.
Izzo's endorsement was a big thing because he doesn't say this about any player. He reserves these types of sentiments for special players and Jase qualifies as such.
Calling him a great player but a better teammate and person is an easy selling point to NBA teams who are looking for quality talent without off-court baggage. Richardson is one of the best people he's ever coached and he's seemingly meshed well with Izzo from the get-go -- that's rare.
I'm not saying Izzo was the reason Jase went to Orlando, but maybe he needs to send his coach a fruit basket for that glowing endorsement.