For Jase, however, his journey on the banks of the Red Cedar is just getting started.

In his first year at MSU, Richardson’s main target so far has been trying to find the balance between basketball, schoolwork and socialization. Izzo encourages the grind, which has pushed Richardson to "get better every day."

Richardson recalled his first memory with Izzo; he was a lot younger than when most people have their first interaction with the Hall of Fame coach. 

"I was seven at the championship reunion, running around his house playing Xbox," he said.

Richardson spoke highly of Izzo's character through the years, saying that he’s "been a great guy to my family," and as a coach, he’s only shown "more of the same" standards to the freshman guard.

Michigan State’s iconic national championship team celebrates its 25th anniversary this coming spring, which happened to be the year Jason Richardson was a freshman at MSU. Looking at some of his father's accolades inspires Richardson to tack down goals of his own.

Winning the Big Ten and appearing in the Final Four are the two biggest targets for Richardson, and he wants to contribute to team goals more than anything. 

He did, however, have a special experience at Michigan State’s first preseason game at home. He had the "same coach, same arena, same jersey," as his father, something not many can say.

"I might be a little nervous, but I'm super excited," Richardson said.

He remains focused on the team’s success as the Spartans make their way through the season. "Dedicated" is the word Richardson uses to describe this team under Izzo. With five new faces on the team, many questions surround the team’s identity in a newly refurbished Big 10 conference. 

"We’re all dedicated and getting better," Richardson said.

Richardson has full confidence that this new chapter of Spartan basketball will achieve success and bring nostalgia from past triumphs.