CHICAGO — The shirt visible around Jase Richardson’s collar, under his NBA draft combine hoodie, looked green.
“Yeah, of course,” Richardson said when asked if it was a Michigan State shirt. “Always.”
Richardson might rep the Spartans for life, but his time as a Michigan State basketball player may have lasted just one season. Richardson, who declared for the draft after standout freshman campaign, is continuing to test the waters at this week’s combine.
This is not what he expected when he enrolled at Michigan State. “I definitely didn’t have any of this in mind,” he said on Wednesday. “In my mind, I was maybe a two-, three-year guy.”
Then the season happened. He moved into the starting lineup in February and showed off an impressive offensive arsenal, averaging 12.1 points per game while shooting 49 percent from the field and 41 percent from 3. He helped Michigan State win the Big Ten and reach the Elite Eight.
“Credit to coach (Tom) Izzo, he really taught me a lot of things,” Richardson said. “I think my IQ really grew with him. I became a better three-level scorer (who could) facilitate for my teammates.”
After the season, he met with Izzo to seek his opinion on the NBA draft. Richardson said it was a five- or 10-minute conversation in which Izzo told him, “You have to go. You have to test the draft out.” Izzo has confirmed that exchange.
At the combine, Richardson measured 178 pounds and a half inch over 6-foot without shoes. Michigan State listed him at 6-3 and 185 pounds.
He made up for a lack of size at the college level and believes he can do so in the NBA as well: “By doing all the little things,” he said. “Rebounding, hustling, being a team player, things like that.”
He’s studied smaller guards like Mike Conley Jr. and Jalen Brunson to learn how they create space against bigger defenders. During pre-draft workouts, he wants to show teams he can play either guard spot.
Is there a chance he withdraws from the draft and returns to East Lansing?
“As of right now, I just got to see where I’m at,” Richardson said. “Got to talk to my parents before the deadline and just see. Just see where I’m at with this.”
He said he had no specific deciding factors in mind. “It depends what my parents think is a good decision for me. If they think (being a projected) top-20 (pick) is the best for me, top 20 is the best. So it really depends on what my parents feel, what the people around me feel.”
ESPN’s mock draft, updated this week, projected Richardson as the No. 13 pick. Players have through May 28 to withdraw and maintain collegiate eligibility.
As for the current Michigan State roster, Richardson dished on the transfer additions: Florida Atlantic’s Kaleb Glenn and Samford’s Trey Fort, both of whom faced the Spartans last season. “I think the pickups we got were super huge,” Richardson said. “Two big pieces.”
As for Tre Holloman’s departure: “It’s an unfortunate blow to the team,” Richardson said. “We all love Tre. We all appreciate everything he did. What’s best for him is what’s best for him. I wish him all the best. I’m going to be watching NC State games.”
All signs point toward Richardson leaving the college game behind. He’ll continue to take guidance from his father, Jason, the fifth pick in the 2001 draft. One thing the younger Richardson won’t borrow from dad: His draft-night fashion. Jason, befitting the style of the time, wore a baggy suit.
“Nah, I can’t do it,” Jase Richardson said with a smile. “I don’t think the baggy suit’s for me.”
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