After primarily playing shooting guard at Michigan State, freshman Jase Richardson wants to prove himself as a lead guard in team workouts ahead of the 2025 NBA draft.
Richardson was named to the All-Big Ten third team, averaging 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 41.2% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked ninth in the country in box plus-minus (plus-11.6) and 14th in offensive rating (132).
The 6-foot-1 standout is beginning to hit the workout circuit after completing his first team visit on Thursday in Portland. He is eager to showcase his abilities as a point guard.
“There are a lot of questions about what position I’ll probably play at the next level,” Richardson said. “Playing at Michigan State, I was a 2 because Coach (Tom Izzo) wanted me to score. (I want to) show teams I can play the point guard and facilitate.”
Richardson, the son of former 14-year veteran Jason Richardson, began the season in the second unit before moving into the starting lineup in early February. He elevated his play, averaging 16.1 points and 4.6 rebounds on 42% shooting from beyond the arc after that point.
The 19-year-old is projected to be a first-round pick after helping the Spartans to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019. He wasn’t on the radar to begin the year, but established himself as a possible lottery pick following a strong year.
Richardson wants to enjoy the predraft process and make the most of his workouts and interviews. With the help of his father and others in his corner, Richardson is prepared for what the next three-plus weeks will bring on and off the court.
“It is going to be a mental grind,” Richardson said. “You’re going to be flying city to city (for) a lot of different workouts; there is not a lot of downtime. You probably get a day, a day and a half in between these workouts, so (you need to) mentally lock in.”