Tom Izzo Faces Tough News After Strong NCAA Run with Michigan State
Michigan State had one of the nation’s top basketball squads this year, guided by veteran head coach Tom Izzo.
The Spartans reached the Elite Eight under Izzo’s leadership but were narrowly defeated 70-64 by top-seeded Auburn. Before that, the team recorded wins over Ole Miss, New Mexico, and Bryant.
Despite a strong showing in the Big Ten, the Spartans received some tough news affecting next season’s roster.
According to a Big Ten social media update, star guard Jase Richardson has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft.
“Forever a Spartan Dawg,” Richardson shared.
As a freshman, Richardson averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game for Michigan State.
In his final college performance, Richardson contributed 11 points, three rebounds, and three steals in the loss to Auburn.
Tom Izzo, head coach of the Michigan State Spartans.
Richardson had committed to Michigan State as the No. 3 combo guard and 32nd-ranked recruit overall in the 2024 class, per 247Sports.
With Richardson’s departure, Izzo and his coaching staff must address a major gap on a 30-7 team that captured the Big Ten regular-season crown.
LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey
