Michigan State basketball has had plenty of alpha-dog players in its history. Just think Magic Johnson, Mateen Cleaves, Cassius Winston, Steve Smith. Some would say Jason Richardson was an alpha-type player in his day. Now his son Jase Richardson wears the green and white, and he looks ready to be that alpha dog for Tom Izzo.
Most probably expected Richardson to start slowly transitioning from high school to college. Most sons of former NBA stars have a little bit of trouble at first. That isn’t the case with Jase.
Jase Richardson Emerging As Go-To Scorer for Michigan State
In what have been some subpar seasons for Izzo’s tenure, the Spartans have been treading water since 2020. Since the graduation of Winston, the Spartans haven’t won or contended for the Big Ten. Not to mention they have only reached the second weekend of the NCAA tournament just once in the last four seasons. Not much was expected out of this year’s squad, but they aren’t backing down against tough foes.
Maui Invitational Giving Showing Some Hope for the Spartans
Their fight and grit have been shown thus far at the Maui Invitational. The defensive effort the team put forth against Colorado in the opening round was outstanding. Sure they didn’t quite have the dogs to get the job done in game two against a much more experienced Memphis Tigers team, especially with Tyrese Hunter shooting the lights out.
🏀 @MSU_Basketball is running it back at the @MauiInv Tuesday with a matchup vs. Memphis.@TheAndyKatz talked to Jase Richardson after Monday's dub. 🗣️#B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/DmrQa4XTU2
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) November 26, 2024
The biggest takeaway from Maui, at the least for Michigan State, is the emergence of Richardson. The kid is playing well beyond his years. He looks like a veteran on the floor. Not to mention he makes scoring look easy. Through two games in Maui, Richardson is MSU’s leading scorer. He scored 13 against the Buffaloes, before trying to spark the comeback against Memphis with a team-high 18 points. He might be the most pure scorer as a freshman the Spartans have had since Gary Harris.
Jase Richardson today vs Memphis
18 points
3 rebounds
2 assists
5/8 FG
3/5 3PT
5/8 FTS
Great game again from the guard he continues to showcase the touch and high level feel gonna be in many peoples top 10 by June if this stuff continues. #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/CSMl75zbm7— J ⭐️ ⭐️ (@JKnowsfootyy) November 27, 2024
Moving on From Losses
The Spartans may have fallen short against Memphis, but they have a chance to get back on track. Richardson and Jaden Akins have shown that they can lead this team. It was to be expected of the senior Akins. However, to have Richardson doing what he is doing as a freshman, is exactly what this team needs.
I’m not the coach, but he’s got to see the floor as much as possible going forward. Sure, I certainly thought he would eventually hit this level with time, but I didn’t expect it to be this quick. He can score and hustle at both ends of the floor. He defends well, gets rebounds, and can find the open man. Richardson has all the tools in his tool belt. Richardson has quickly proven that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
The Spartans have one more test to prove themselves in Maui, taking on the North Carolina Tar Heels. Can Richardson help the Spartans get some revenge for last season’s loss in the second round of the NCAA tournament? Time will tell.
Is He Better than His Dad?
Jace scored double digits in his first game in a Spartan jersey. His dad Jason only had five points back in the day in his first game. Am I saying that he’s better than his dad? No, Jason is a two-time NBA Dunk Champion and a former All-Star at that. Could Jase be a pro someday, no question he’s got the pedigree. For right now Michigan State and Tom Izzo have found a guy that can help get them back to an elite level.
How Far Can Richardson Lead Them?
This team will only go as far as Akins and Richardson can lead them. Richardson helped lead his high school team to a Florida High School State Championship last season. I’m not suggesting this team’s going to be cutting down the nets. Richardson needs some help from the frontcourt. If they can get everything clicking watch out come March. I get it, that’s the same old Tom Izzo cliche. Something about this group just feels different.
