8. Jase Richardson (Michigan State)
After major disappointment last season, Michigan State has been playing inspired basketball here in Tom Izzo’s thirtieth season at the helm. Many faces have changed on the Spartans roster, with Richardson standing out as the lone freshman making waves in this rotation. The 4-star guard originally from Denver isn’t starting for the Spartans but still making his presence felt on a daily basis.
Through the first seventeen games of his collegiate career, Richardson is averaging 9.2 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, making 41% of his limited 3-point opportunities while knocking down 64% inside the arc. He’s not the player Michigan State is solely relying on, but he has had some memorable outings, scoring 18 points at Maui against Memphis one night after dropping 13 against Colorado. He’s also had a pair of double-digit outings in recent weeks in important wins for the Spartans.
With Michigan State now riding a 10-game winning streak, it’s likely that we’ll see the Spartans in great shape come Selection Sunday. This isn’t necessarily a team with a particular star that’s going to shine on a daily basis, meaning Richardson’s moment could come during March. He’s a very efficient offensive player who could easily score in double-figures and really showcase his potential in one of those Tournament games. We’ll just have to see how his role continues to grow in this lineup.