Jase Richardson's NBA Draft night was an emotional one.
After watching 24 straight Adam Silver podium appearances without hearing his name called, the commissioner stepped up to the mic at pick No. 25 and announced Richardson to the Orlando Magic.
It was a long wait, but it came to an emotional end at around 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday night as Jase watched with his closest family and friends -- including Tom Izzo.
Finally hearing his name called at No. 25 and having that weight lifted off his shoulders led to an emotional moment as he embraced his mom, dad, and younger brother as he fought back tears as his entire basketball career led up to that moment.
"The Orlando Magic select..." 💚 pic.twitter.com/yLGKK9zkRd
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) June 26, 2025
It's clear that he felt the weight of the world lifted off his shoulders as he realized his NBA dreams finally came true -- and sooner than he expected, per a recent report. He didn't expect to be a one-and-done but Izzo told him he needed to head to the NBA and now he's the latest first-round pick to come from Michigan State -- the first since Max Christie.
Watching as he hugged his mom and then his dad (much to the dismay of his younger brother who thought he'd get the first handshake) was a really cool moment. All the hard work paid off.
It's always cool to see how these draftees react to hearing their names called and you see the vast difference between a guy like Richardson and someone like Ace Bailey who was unhappy with his destination.
It's going to be really easy rooting for Jase for years to come.