Michigan State guard Jase Richardson, widely regarded as one of the most intriguing prospects in a deep and unique 2025 NBA Draft class, has officially declared for the draft, as reported by Amos Morale III of The Athletic.
Richardson, the son of former NBA star Jason Richardson, spent one standout season at Michigan State. He quickly became a key player for the Spartans, averaging 12.5 points per game during the season. His performance surged after joining the starting lineup, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure and solidifying his reputation as a top prospect.
In the 11 games leading up to the NCAA Tournament, Jase Richardson averaged 17.3 points, nearly five rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He delivered a standout performance in the Sweet 16 against Ole Miss, scoring 20 points on an efficient six-of-eight shooting and further solidifying his breakout in an offense that typically challenges freshmen under Tom Izzo.
Richardson has drawn comparisons to Jalen Brunson due to his ability to exploit even the smallest openings in opposing defenses. He plays fearlessly, taking on larger defenders at the rim while showcasing a refined scoring touch from close range, midrange, and beyond the arc. Additionally, his tenacity on defense, high basketball IQ, and ability to create plays off the dribble make him an exceptional two-way player.
If Richardson seems like the type of player to have NBA teams eager with anticipation, you’d be correct. Yet, he isn’t positioned at the very top of this draft class alongside standout names like Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey.
Despite his impressive showing at Michigan State, doubts persist about how his game will translate to the NBA. At 6’3″, Richardson lacks elite size, and while he is a high-effort defender, smaller players often become defensive targets in the NBA. Additionally, concerns about his ability to succeed in isolation play remain; during his time with the Spartans, he struggled in limited opportunities, scoring on just one of eight iso attempts—a red flag for teams seeking consistent offensive creators.
Richardson’s size suggests he may be better suited as a combo guard rather than a pure point guard or primary ball-handler at the NBA level, which could impact his draft stock. He lacks elite quickness, and while he excels at attacking the rim, more athletic defenders have proven capable of containing him, as evidenced by Auburn limiting him to just 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting.
Despite these concerns, Richardson’s game offers plenty of promise, and his draft stock remains highly fluid in the weeks leading up to the event. His eventual selection is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing narratives heading into this year’s draft.
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