Former MSU Guard Richardson Shows Love to Alma Mater

Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson had only good things to say about his former school, Michigan State.

Oct 25, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) waits for play to begin in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images | Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

While he only played at Michigan State for a year, Orlando Magic rookie guard Jase Richardson greatly appreciated his time with the Spartans. 

Richardson, son of former Spartan great Jason Richardson, earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team and Third-Team All-Big Ten honors last season. He averaged 12 points, nearly three rebounds, and two assists per game while also playing good defense. 

His elite shot-making ability and impressive facilitating upside skyrocketed him into the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, joining a Magic team that needed better guard play and more outside shooting. 

As the Magic traveled to Detroit to take on the Pistons on Wednesday, Richardson was asked about how he values his time at MSU during media availability. 

Michigan State's coach Tom Izzo heads to the locker room before the game against Bowling Green on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jase Richardson on Michigan State

“So much,” Richardson said. “I think Michigan State was a phenomenal place to go to college. Just enjoyed my time there, academically, athletically, and just being around socially. I went to every sporting event. I went to track and field, I went to field hockey, I went to any sporting event I could. So, it was just super fun to be there.”

Mar 30, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jase Richardson (11) dribbles during the first half in the South Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament against the Auburn Tigers at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Richardson helped lead MSU to an Elite Eight, the furthest the team has gone in the NCAA Tournament since the 2019 season, when it reached the Final Four. 

He was, at times, the team’s best scorer, and he worked his way into the starting lineup against Oregon in February when Jeremy Fears Jr. dealt with an illness. He scored 29 points and led the Spartans to a double-digit comeback against the Ducks at home. 

Michigan State's Jase Richardson, center, celebrates after making a 3-pointer against Oregon during the first half on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the Breslin Center East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It is nice for Spartan fans to hear that Richardson attended several sporting events, solidifying the family environment each athletic program tries to foster. He was a star basketball player in East Lansing, a good teammate, and a student. 

Tom Izzo will miss Richardson’s self-creation this season, but he has shown promise with the Magic early in his NBA career. He will try to help Orlando make a run in the playoffs, as the Magic are projected to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. 

Oct 25, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) takes a shot over Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) in the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images | Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

Even one year at MSU can change a student-athlete’s life. That goes double for Richardson, who enjoyed the college experience on and off the court.

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