Michigan State guard Jase Richardson has recently been honored as a Big Ten All-Freshman selection, and many are considering him one of the top freshmen in the nation. Eric Rossi from 247Sports included Richardson on the 247Sports All-Freshman Second Team.
During the regular season, Richardson averaged 11.6 points per game with impressive shooting stats, hitting 38% of his three-point attempts, the highest percentage among the Spartans’ top shooters. As the season progressed, he emerged as Michigan State’s key offensive player in crucial moments, significantly enhancing the team’s prospects—especially since they struggled to identify a reliable scorer in close games earlier in the season.
Since Richardson stepped up in early February, the Spartans have secured seven consecutive wins against Quad 1 opponents and have clinched the Big Ten title outright. This recognition makes Richardson the first Spartan to make the All-Freshman Team since Max Christie in the 2021-22 season.
While the 19-year-old is concentrating on Michigan State’s upcoming postseason, he is also gaining attention from NBA scouts and could declare for the draft after just one season, similar to Christie.
Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis and Maryland forward Derik Queen were also named to the Big Ten Freshman Team alongside Richardson but ranked higher on Rossi’s All-Freshman First Team. Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears, younger brother of Spartan redshirt freshman Jeremy Fears Jr., joined Richardson on the Second Team.
Fears has been outstanding for Oklahoma, averaging 16.3 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.4 rebounds, although the Sooners find themselves on the tournament bubble with a 6-12 conference record.
Duke forward Cooper Flagg was recognized as Rossi’s Freshman of the Year, standing out with averages of 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, contributing to Duke’s position as the top team in the NET rankings.
Michigan State is set to face the Oregon Ducks in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament on Friday, providing Richardson the opportunity to build on his career-high of 29 points scored against the Ducks earlier in the season
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