Jase Richardson, son of Jason, commits to Michigan State - ESPN

Top-30 guard Jase Richardson, the son of former NBA veteran and national champion Jason Richardson, announced Sunday he plans to follow in his father's footsteps by committing to Michigan State over Alabama and Cincinnati.

Richardson is the third ESPN 100 commitment for the Spartans in the 2024 class.

«From the moment I stepped on campus for my official visit there was a real connection with the players and coaches. It felt like family,» he told ESPN. «I remember my first visit to Michigan State, I was 7 years old. It was my dad's reunion on winning the national championship.»

Richardson will be coached by longtime Spartans coach Tom Izzo, who also coached Jason Richardson, who helped MSU win its last national championship in 2000. Izzo and the family have maintained a strong relationship throughout the process.

«Coach Izzo is a genuine person,» Richardson said. «He tells you what you need to hear. He keeps it real. We have built a connection and trust. More importantly, he told me if my dad did not play at Michigan State, he would still recruit me and want me. That meant a lot to me.

»He would tell me stories about my dad. He told me he broke two shooting machines in one season because he used them so much. He said my dad still owes him a shooting machine."

After helping lead Michigan State to the title in 2000, Jason Richardson was picked fifth overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2001 NBA draft. He spent 14 seasons in the NBA for five different franchises, averaging double figures in scoring in all but one season and winning back-to-back NBA Slam Dunk Contests in 2002 and 2003.

A 6-foot-3 guard from Christopher Columbus High School (Florida), Jase Richardson is ranked No. 28 in the ESPN 100 for 2024 — the No. 6