Just in:My dad made $100m and won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest twice – now I’m out to emulate his March Madness triumph Jack Savage… See more

Just in:My dad made $100m and won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest twice – now I’m out to emulate his March Madness triumph
Jack Savage… See more.

Richardson (L) and head coach Tom Izzo (R) are trying to replicate what Izzo and Richardson’s father did together in 2000, and that’s win the national championship

25 years ago, Jason helped lead the Michigan State Spartans and head coach Tom Izzo to college basketball glory as a freshman.

They won the national championship in 2000.

It was Izzo’s first and the university’s second.

25 years later, Richardson’s son Jase is trying to do what he once did.
Between those 25 years from then to now, Jason was able to have a lucrative and successful NBA career.

He was the fifth overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft and went on to play for 14 years. He suited up for the Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Bobcats, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers.

In that time, Jason made over $100 million.

He was known for his acrobatic and athletic jump-out-the-gym ability, having won the Slam Dunk Contest not once, but twice.

Most read in He was a showstopper.

And now his 19-year-old son is trying to follow in his footsteps.

Jase is the star freshman leading the Spartans into the Sweet 16 and hoping to bring title number three back to East Lansing.

Izzo has made jokes referencing the father-son duo throughout the season, most notably when the 2000 championship team was honored during a home game this season.

“We got a lot of play out of a lot of different guys and of course, Jase had a career night,” Izzo said.

“When he got that block late, it was a hell of a block, and all the guys were sitting behind me and I turned around to Jason and said, ‘Jason who?’
You know, it was Jase’s night, and how exciting for him and for them and his family, but for us too.”

The 70-year-old head coach has seen a lot of basketball in his day.

But having the chance (and longevity) to coach one of his player’s kids is a special kind of feeling.

Before the season began, Jason gave Jase advice on how to play for the fiery head coach.

“Just expect Izzo’s yelling, that’s the one thing he told me about him,” Jase said on what his father told him.

I’ve been watching a couple games, I’ve been seeing it so I’ve gotta get ready for that.”

Now is the time for the younger Richardson to carry his father’s legacy and help the man who once helped his father.

“This just feels like one big family. Growing up knowing Izzo, it’s been like a family bond,” Jase said.

The Spartans are two wins away from the Final Four, and all eyes will be on Izzo and the younger Richardson.

While a little bit of that 2000 national championship magic will be in the crowd, beaming with joy, watching his son hopefully do what he once did, and that’s cut down some nets.