Jase Richardson of Michigan State was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 25th overall pick in the NBA Draft

Jase Richardson Follows in His Father’s Footsteps: Michigan State Star Selected by Orlando Magic in First Round of 2025 NBA Draft

In a moment filled with legacy and promise, Jase Richardson is now officially bound for the NBA. The Michigan State freshman phenom was selected with the No. 25 overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, marking a significant milestone in both his career and the continued lineage of basketball excellence within the Richardson family.

Jase, the 19-year-old son of former NBA standout and Michigan State legend Jason Richardson, becomes the latest Spartan to hear his name called on draft night. Much like his father, who captured national glory under Coach Tom Izzo in 2000 and was drafted fifth overall in 2001, Jase carved out his own impressive path in East Lansing — and he did it all in just one season.

Standing 6-foot-1½ and weighing 178 pounds, the versatile combo guard quickly made his presence felt in his freshman campaign. In 25.3 minutes per game, Richardson averaged 12.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while demonstrating elite shooting ability. He led the team with a scorching 41.2% accuracy from beyond the arc and connected on 49.3% of his shots overall. His performance earned him a spot on the All-Big Ten Third Team, as he played a crucial role in helping Michigan State clinch the regular-season Big Ten title with a 17-3 record.

As the season progressed, so did Richardson’s role. After earning a spot in the starting lineup in early February, he became the offensive focal point for the Spartans during their postseason push. Over the final 15 games, he elevated his averages to 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 30.5 minutes per contest, while maintaining a strong 42% clip from three-point range. Under his leadership, Michigan State advanced to the Elite Eight for the 11th time under Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo, ultimately finishing the season with a 30-7 record.

Richardson’s selection marks the 12th first-round NBA draft pick under Tom Izzo and the 24th Spartan overall to be drafted during his remarkable 30-year coaching tenure. Jase becomes the first Michigan State player drafted since Max Christie, who went 35th overall in 2022. He also joins the ranks of recent Spartan first-rounders Jaren Jackson Jr. (No. 4) and Miles Bridges (No. 12), both taken in the 2018 NBA Draft.

For Jase, basketball greatness runs in the blood. His father, Jason Richardson, helped lead Michigan State to a national championship as a freshman in 2000 and returned for his sophomore year to guide the team to a third straight Final Four in 2001 before declaring for the NBA. Selected fifth overall by the Golden State Warriors, Jason went on to enjoy a 13-year professional career. He became a household name, winning back-to-back NBA Slam Dunk Contests, leading the league in three-point shooting once, and averaging 17.1 points and 5 rebounds per game — all without ever making an All-Star team.

Born in Northern California during his father’s tenure with the Warriors, Jase grew up surrounded by basketball. He spent time in Denver, Las Vegas, and Miami during his youth before committing to Michigan State for his lone college season. His maturity, scoring prowess, and basketball IQ made him a top prospect, and now, with the Orlando Magic betting on his potential, the next chapter of his journey begins.

As the Magic continue to build a young and promising roster, Richardson brings a blend of sharpshooting, playmaking, and clutch leadership that could become a valuable asset in Orlando’s backcourt. With his college resume and professional pedigree, Jase Richardson is ready to carve out his own legacy in the NBA — just like his father once did.