Michigan State's Richardson declaring for NBA draft

Michigan State freshman guard Jase Richardson is entering the NBA draft, he told ESPN's Jonathan Givony.

Richardson, a projected lottery pick, averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in his lone season with Michigan State, shooting 41% from three. He earned Big Ten All-Freshman team and third-team all-conference honors.

"I'm incredibly grateful to my teammates and coaches for the season we had," Richardson said. "After evaluating everything with my family, this was the best decision for me. We had so many incredible moments as a team. Even though we didn't go as far as I had hoped in the NCAA tournament, this is exactly how I wanted my freshman year to go."

Michigan State won the Big Ten regular-season championship with a 17-3 conference record this past campaign. The Spartans reached the Elite Eight of March Madness for the first time since 2019.

Richardson is the son of 14-year NBA veteran Jason Richardson, a former second-team All-American at Michigan State who won a national title with the Spartans in 2000.