Jase Richardson

Richardson is an American guard who entered the NBA as a first-round pick in 2025 after a decorated freshman season at Michigan State, where his father also played and won a national title in 2000. He arrived in the league with a strong basketball lineage and a reputation as an efficient scorer and playmaker.

Born Jason Anthoney Richardson II on October 16, 2005, in Berkeley, California, Richardson grew up in Denver before moving to Las Vegas for high school. He attended Bishop Gorman High School and later transferred to Christopher Columbus in Florida for his senior year, averaging 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists and helping the program win a third straight FHSAA 7A State Championship. He finished his Nike EYBL career as the third-leading scorer with an unprecedented 10-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, earning first-team Peach Jam honors. He committed to Michigan State over Alabama and Cincinnati.

At Michigan State, Richardson enrolled early to participate in summer practices. He debuted on November 4, 2024, with 10 points, two rebounds, and four assists. He came off the bench for most of the season before earning his first career start on February 8, 2025, against Oregon, when he scored a career-high 29 points. He started for the remainder of the season and led the Spartans to the Big Ten regular-season championship and an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA tournament. He was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team and All-Big Ten Third Team.

Richardson declared for the 2025 NBA draft on April 8, 2025, and was selected 25th overall by the Orlando Magic. His father, Jason Richardson, was a second-team All-American at Michigan State and played 14 NBA seasons. His mother, Jackie Paul-Richardson, played at the University of Colorado and coached him from age four through high school.

Richardson is a combo guard with scoring instincts, playmaking vision, and defensive versatility. He uses his length to finish at the rim and has demonstrated an ability to create for others while maintaining an excellent assist-to-turnover ratio. His shooting range and off-ball movement are developmental areas that teams will monitor as he transitions to the professional level.

Richardson begins his NBA career with the Orlando Magic, carrying the expectations of a first-round selection and a family legacy that includes an NBA veteran father and a Michigan State championship lineage. His trajectory from a high school transfer to a Big Ten champion and lottery pick reflects a blend of inherited basketball IQ and individual skill development.