MSU star Jase Richardson drops 2-word reaction verifying Amin Elhassan's wild story from when he was 18 months old

Jase Richardson has always been a basketball star. Former NBA front office member Amin Elhassan recalled noticing the Michigan State star's skills when he was only 18 months old.

Jason Richardson, Jase's father and an NBA player from 2001 to 2015, was with the Phoenix Suns at the time, and Elhassan was the team's assistant director of operations.

"In the family room, we had a Fisher-Price [hoop] for the little kids," Elhassan said. "[Richardson] was maybe 18 months and was doing windmills — a two-year-old. On everything."

Elhassan joked that he would have given Richardson an offer on the spot.

"I would have offered on the spot," Elhassan said. "Look at this kid, full ride. I've never, in my life, seen a child that advanced."

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament South Regional-Michigan State at Auburn - Source: Imagn

Richardson shared his reaction to the childhood tale.

"True story😂😂," Richardson commented.

Jase Richardson reacts to the story from his childhood

Richardson thrived in his freshman season at Michigan State. He joined the Spartans as the No. 24-ranked player in his class according to ESPN.

The guard averaged 12.1 ppg and added 3.3 rpg and 1.9 apg while shooting 49.3% from the field and 41.2% from beyond the arc.

Elhassan predicted Richardson's basketball success when he was merely a toddler, and Richardson proved his talents at Michigan State. Now, the guard will look to hone his skill set in the NBA.

Jase Richardson to remain in NBA draft

Jase Richardson has officially closed the door on a return to Michigan State. The deadline for players to withdraw from the 2025 NBA draft and maintain their college eligibility was Wednesday, and Richardson didn't do so.

After an impressive freshman season in which he helped lead the Spartans to a No. 2 seed in March Madness and a run to the Elite Eight, Richardson told ESPN that he would be entering the NBA draft.

"I'm incredibly grateful to my teammates and coaches for the season we had," Richardson said. "After evaluating everything with my family, this was the best decision for me. We had so many incredible moments as a team. Even though we didn't go as far as I had hoped in the NCAA tournament, this is exactly how I wanted my freshman year to go. Winning the Big Ten championship and making the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019."

Many Michigan State fans were hoping the star guard would suit up for the Spartans again next season after testing the waters of the NBA draft, but Richardson is all in on the NBA draft.

Mock drafts vary in their projections as to how early Jase Richardson will be drafted, but some suggest that the Spartans star could be a first-round selection.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Gio Vergara