Tom Izzo praises Jase Richardson’s early impact, jabs Jason Richardson

Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans brought in one of the top recruiting classes of the 2024 men’s college basketball cycle. In this year’s class, Izzo acquired the services of an individual with an NBA pedigre, combo guard Jase Richardson.

The newest member of Michigan State basketball is the son of former NBA star Jason Richardson. Ahead of the Spartans’ trip to Spain, members of the media caught up to Izzo, where he shared his thoughts about the true freshman guard

“Jase Richardson has really been impressive so far,” said Izzo. “He’s shooting the ball well and he’s plays defense; he does a lot of things. I told his dad he does a lot of things that his dad didn’t do his freshman.”

According to On3s Industry Rankings, Richardson was a four-star recruit in the 2024 recruiting class and the No. 37 best recruit in his cycle. The 6-foot-3 combo guard committed to Izzo and company in mid-October 2023, choosing the Spartans over Alabama, Arkansas, USC, and Kansas. Richardson ranked as the No. 6 overall point guard in his class and was the eighth best basketball recruit from the state of Florida.

Richardson appears to have the genetics and talent to be a quality contributor for Michigan State. However, when he gets the opportunity to do so, it will likely depend on his level of commitment, drive, and practice. So far, that does not appear to be an issue, as he is already garnering praise from Izzo early on.

Izzo provides update on Jeremy Fears’ rehab, recovery

Michigan State sophomore point guard Jeremy Fears is apparently quite close to full go, according to Tom Izzo. And it’s a remarkable recovery for Fears, who was shot in the leg late in 2023.

As Michigan State takes a summer trip and gets the team together, Fears is set to join them. And Izzo shared a fairly positive update on where the former high-level signee stands in his rehab.

“He’s 99 percent, 98 percent,” Izzo said. His shooting’s still a little question mark right now, but as far as athletic — he got hit today and it was in the thigh and he gets sore when he does that.”

Izzo didn’t seem overly concerned with the vestigial soreness, though. At this point, it seems to be a matter of Fears managing whatever pain and discomfort he feels and there’s no risk of any notable injury.

“But it’s just a matter of, ‘I get sore when I get hit,’” Izzo said.