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Once projected as a surefire first-round pick, Michigan State’s Jase Richardson has seen his draft stock take an unexpected tumble in the latest ESPN NBA Mock Draft. Once considered one of the most electrifying guards in the college game, Richardson now finds himself sliding into the second round in mock projections—a development that has fans, scouts, and draft analysts scratching their heads.
So what happened? And is this fall temporary or a sign of deeper concerns?
Let’s dive into the full story behind one of college basketball’s most surprising draft storylines.
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From Top Prospect to Mock Draft Drop
Jase Richardson, son of former NBA player Jason Richardson, entered the 2024-25 season with sky-high expectations. A McDonald’s All-American, an elite scorer, and a cornerstone in Tom Izzo’s rotation, Richardson brought athleticism, explosiveness, and name recognition to the Breslin Center. He was hailed as the next Spartan great and was projected as a potential lottery pick in early 2025 NBA mock drafts.
However, in ESPN’s June 2025 NBA Mock Draft, Richardson has fallen out of the top 30 entirely—landing in the early-to-mid second round range. That’s a dramatic drop, and one that’s sparking serious conversations across the NBA and college basketball worlds.
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What’s Fueling the Slide?
1. Injuries and Inconsistency
Richardson battled through minor injuries that limited his rhythm and consistency throughout the season. While he showed flashes of brilliance, including a memorable 28-point performance against Indiana and several clutch showings in Big Ten play, he never quite strung together a dominant stretch of games to solidify his draft value.
Scouts have noted concerns about his durability. Though none of the injuries were considered major, the “nagging” label has begun to stick. Combine that with a few cold shooting streaks in March, and suddenly Richardson’s stock doesn’t seem so ironclad.
2. Crowded Guard Class
The 2025 NBA Draft is unusually deep at the guard position. With prospects like Tre Johnson, DJ Wagner, and Elliott Cadeau lighting it up, Richardson has been somewhat lost in the shuffle. Teams with lottery picks looking for backcourt help may simply prefer the more proven or polished options.
That depth creates downward pressure, even on prospects who haven’t necessarily done anything wrong.
3. Questions About Fit
At 6’3″, Richardson is considered a bit of a tweener. He’s not a traditional floor general, and while he’s an explosive scorer, some scouts worry about his shot selection and decision-making in half-court sets.
The NBA is always hungry for dynamic scoring guards, but in today’s era of pace-and-space and efficiency, Richardson’s aggressive style has become a double-edged sword.
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What the Numbers Say
Statistically, Richardson averaged 13.4 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds on 42% shooting from the field and 33% from three-point range. Solid, but not jaw-dropping. His PER (Player Efficiency Rating) was slightly below average for a guard of his caliber, though his steal rate and defensive motor were praised by coaches and analytics teams.
In short: he showed promise, but the numbers didn’t leap off the page like many hoped.
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Izzo Speaks Out
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo was quick to defend his star guard after the mock draft dropped.
> “Jase is a pro. He works like a pro. He carries himself like a pro. He’s had some ups and downs—every young player does—but I wouldn’t bet against him,” Izzo said. “Whoever gets him is getting a warrior.”
It’s not the first time Izzo has rallied behind a Spartan facing adversity. And let’s not forget—players like Draymond Green, Xavier Tillman, and Denzel Valentine all faced skepticism before proving doubters wrong at the next level.
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How Richardson Can Still Win
While the slide may sting, it’s far from the end of the story.
The NBA is full of second-rounders and undrafted players who carved out long, successful careers. In fact, sliding to the second round can sometimes be a blessing—players often land on better teams with clearer roles and stronger development programs.
For Richardson, the key will be showing up ready to dominate the NBA Combine and team workouts. Scouts will want to see improvements in:
Shot consistency
Decision-making as a secondary playmaker
Defensive versatility
Maturity in game pacing
If he checks those boxes, he could easily re-enter the late first round or secure a high-leverage contract as a priority second-round selection.
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NBA Teams Still Watching Closely
Despite the mock slide, multiple NBA insiders say teams are still very high on Richardson’s long-term potential.
One anonymous scout told ESPN:
> “He’s got NBA blood, NBA athleticism, and an NBA work ethic. We’re not writing him off. If he’s there early in the second round, that’s a steal.”
Teams like the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies are known for developing athletic guards with chips on their shoulders. Richardson fits that mold perfectly.
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Spartan Nation Reacts
Social media exploded after ESPN’s latest projection. Spartan fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with takes ranging from disbelief to defiance.
> “They doubted Draymond. They doubted Tillman. Keep sleeping on Spartan dogs. Jase gonna wake ‘em up.”
– @GoGreenGregMSU
> “ESPN always underrates our guys until it’s too late. Jase is a first-round talent. Period.”
– @SpartanFan247
The Michigan State fanbase is one of the most passionate in the country, and they’re ready to ride for their guy all the way to draft night.
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Final Word: A Bump, Not a Breakdown
Jase Richardson’s slide in ESPN’s NBA Mock Draft is real—but it’s not fatal. It’s a moment. A storyline. A challenge.
And if history tells us anything, it’s this: doubting a Spartan, especially one raised in NBA DNA, often backfires.
Draft night is still weeks away. Workouts are still happening. Narratives can change in a heartbeat. And Jase Richardson still has all the tools to make sure this mock slide becomes the fuel for an unforgettable NBA ascent.
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What do YOU think?
Is ESPN sleeping on Jase? Should he stay in the draft or return to school? Drop your thoughts
below. Let’s talk Spartan hoops and draft drama—this one’s just heating up.
#GoGreen #NBADraft2025 #JaseRichardson #MSU #SpartanStrong
