Jase Richardson could be a lottery pick this summer. (Junfu Han/USA Today NETWORK via Imagn Images)
This week, Johni Broom (who we’ve already discussed as a front runner for the Wooden Award — currently +220 to win it as per FanDuel) recorded a double-double to help Auburn avoid an upset; Missouri learned its lesson about having its fans storm the court; and Richie Saunders’ big game helped BYU shockingly crush Kansas. Some other college basketball stories we’re tracking include…
J-Rich’s Boy
After experiencing declining win totals in each of the last two seasons, the Michigan State Spartans have bounced back big time this season with a 21-5 mark (its best since 2018-19). No. 14 MSU is on a two-game win streak and has posted a stellar 12-3 record in Big Ten play, setting up a massive game Friday against arch rival and conference leader Michigan.
This version of the Spartans is perhaps the most balanced one in the Tom Izzo era, and that’s saying something considering how many great teams he’s guided since taking over the program in the mid-’90s.
For Michigan State, it seems like it’s a different player taking the lead every game and Tuesday’s upset win over No. 13 Purdue saw freshman guard Jase Richardson step up with 12 points, three rebounds, two steals and two treys.
He’s been on a sweet roll of late, scoring at least 11 points in four straight games to take his season average up to 10.4 points. Richardson has shot the ball amazingly well from everywhere, has pitched in with one three pointer per game and shown explosiveness in going to the inside (see video below).
He doesn’t offer one elite trait, but really other than his strength – which will improve in time – he has no glaring weakness, although his passing could use work. Richardson will benefit from another year or two in college before declaring for the NBA draft, but the son of former NBA star Jason Richardson (does that make you feel as old as we do?) is definitely a fine pro prospect and will likely be a lottery pick this summer if he opts for a one-and-done college career.
Lions Seeking First Tourney Ticket
The North Alabama Lions – a program just seven years into its Division I era – showed some promise in 2022-23, but sunk to just 15 wins last season. This season, however, they’ve already won 20 and with a one-game lead atop the ASUN, could make their first ever appearance in the NCAA Tourney, assuming they can win the conference tourney.
The Lions are on a major roll, having won six straight including a sound 80-62 thrashing of West Georgia on Tuesday. Thursday’s game against Lipscomb could go a long way towards determining the ASUN regular season champion.
As usual, junior guard Jacari Lane was the lead Lion. The team’s leading scorer – who also paces the club in assists and steals – went off for 22 points (on 9-of-13 shooting) and two steals, his third straight game of at least 21 points.
Lane’s touches are way up this season, especially from beyond the arc, and he’s done a better job of staying out of foul trouble. He recently moved into sixth place on the school’s all-time scoring list and no one has scored more than him since the Lions moved to Division I play.
At this point, Lane is a fringe NBA prospect, but perhaps a big showing in the tourney and a strong senior season will improve his stock.
RotoRob Tune of the Day
Born Thomas Morgan Robertson, English musician Thomas Dolby has been at it since 1979. He became a star in the early ‘80s thanks to his hit “She Blinded Me With Science,” a track which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.