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Michigan State Spartans star Jase Richardson is familiar with the NBA as the guard's dad is longtime pro hooper Jason Richardson. The younger Richardson is now making a name for himself in college basketball and is viewed as a top potential prospect ahead of the 2025 NBA draft.
Through his first 34 games, Richardson is averaging 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and two assists per game while shooting 40.6% from long range for the Spartans during the 2024-25 season. Speaking of shooting, the Orlando Magic are in desperate need of a player like Richardson who can hurt teams from behind the 3-point line.
Richardson's game does not feature some of the head-turning dunks of his father, but the guard has still emerged as a force for Michigan State.
“He’s not going to wow you,” Jason Richardson told The Athletic's Brendan Quinn for a Wednesday feature. “He’s just going to be what you need him to be. When it comes to playing time, he forces your hand.
"You want to play him because he’s going to help you win games. That’s what he does. He’s always going to show up and do the right thing. Winning is all that matters to him.”
In 2000, Tom Izzo coached future NBA star Jason Richardson to a national title at Michigan State.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 24, 2025
25 years later, Izzo and Richardson's son Jase are taking the Spartans to the Sweet Sixteen. pic.twitter.com/e2wJ6SPZkj
Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor views the Magic as a perfect fit for Richardson. It would be a familiar last name as his father played from 2010 to 2012 in Orlando. The NBA draft analyst's latest mock draft has the Magic selecting Richardson with the No. 15 pick.
Jase Richardson -- ESPN's No. 12 ranked prospect -- has taken his game to another level, ramping up his aggressiveness while maintaining stellar efficiency. His pace, skill, feel for the game, and shot-making prowess give him an outstanding framework to build off long-term. pic.twitter.com/BHpyPfaePc
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 13, 2025
"The Magic rank 25th in 3-point attempts and 30th in 3-point percentage," O'Connor wrote. "This pick needs to be used on a shooter who can handle a little bit, which makes Richardson an ideal fit. The Michigan State freshman is a skilled combo guard with a lethal midrange game and a poised pick-and-roll feel, looking like he downloaded the experience of his NBA veteran father, Jason Richardson.
"... What the Magic need is shooting next to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and their own blossoming talents perfectly complement Richardson."
JASE RICHARDSON AND ONE.
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 22, 2025
What a move by the @MSU_Basketball freshman. pic.twitter.com/xXwbNTjqt3
The move would pair Richardson with Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. Wagner is slated to be part of the Magic's core for the foreseeable future after inking a five-year, $224 million contract extension during the 2024 NBA offseason.
Richardson would help ease the pressure on the two Magic stars by providing a legit threat from long range.
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Top 5 Schools for No. 1 PG Include Duke
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Shedeur Sanders makes promise to Browns fans ahead of first regular-season start
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Steve Spurrier has two endorsements for next Florida HC
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