When it comes to the Power 4 conferences, the Big Ten was arguably the biggest wildcard to begin the season, as there wasn’t a single team inside top 10 in the preseason AP Top 25.
That led to varying predictions for how the conference would play out, especially as four new teams entered the Big Ten. Which is why it’s no surprise that certain teams, such as the Indiana Hoosiers and Illinois Fighting Illini, have underperformed expectations, while other teams have exceeded projections.
Currently, the top four teams in the Big Ten were projected outside the top four to start the season, with the Michigan State Wolverines and Wisconsin Badgers standing out the most in NCAA Tournament predictions.
Both teams have started to peak at the right moment, going on a hot streak in conference play to be in the conversation for a top-eight overall seed in the tournament, with the Spartans being firmly on the No. 2 seed line after massive wins over the Illinois Fighting Illini, Purdue Boilermakers, Michigan Wolverines and the Maryland Terrapins in four straight games.
Michigan State came into the year with some uncertainty, as they had a number of talented players but not necessarily a true star player, as they had in years past with guard Tyson Walker.
But, as the season has started to dwindle, there has been one player that has really begun to emerge as that star: freshman phenom Jase Richardson.
Richardson, the son of NBA star Jason Richardson, has averaged 11 points and 2.9 rebounds this season, shooting 52.3 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from deep.
The 6’3”, 185-pound guard started the year off the bench, but has developed into a key starter down the stretch for the Spartans. Over the past six games, Richardson has averaged 14.4 points and 4.8 rebounds, while still shooting 48.1 percent from the field as Michigan State’s go-to guy.
He has hit double figures in each of those six games, while eclipsing the 20-point mark twice and hitting multiple threes in three games.
Somehow, the youngest player on the court for the Spartans has developed into their most important, taking advantage of his starting opportunity and not looking back after a strong stretch of games.
A projected first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, there were questions about Richardson’s prospect profile that were primarily tied to his lack of volume role with the Spartans.
Well, the guard has responded to those concerns in a strong way to end the season, helping Michigan State weave through their toughest stretch of the year en route to being the best team in the Big Ten at the moment.
“I think he’s getting more and more comfortable,” head coach Tom Izzo said this week about Richardson. “I think he’s doing more, and that’s a credit to him. He’s definitely proving that he didn’t have to take a back seat to many people, many freshmen in this league, for sure.
“Where he’s a little different – some guys just can score the ball, he can drive it. He’s a phenomenal finisher, but he’s shot great from the three. He’s been able to get his mid-range game going. He’s been able to get fouled, which he’s shooting 90% from the free-throw line. And he’s moving the ball to get other guys involved.”
Richardson now ranks second on the Spartans behind Jaden Akins (12.7 points per game) in scoring, forming a strong duo that can spearhead the offensive load when needed.
His next challenge is arguably Michigan State’s toughest of the year, as they’ll host the Wisconsin Badgers with first place in the Big Ten on the line, as well as a potential No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
If the Spartans are to pull off another victory, they’ll need Richardson and his knack for showing up in big moments. The freshman has stepped out of the shadows and into the light for the Spartans, and it has come at the perfect time for Michigan State, leading their push for a Big Ten title.
