Earlier in December, the annual Wild West Shootout in Reno, Nevada returned after a hiatus due to COVID-19 last year. A charity basketball tournament benefiting the Sierra Kids Foundation, 100% of the proceeds help provide educational scholarships to youth with developmental disabilities, specifically autism spectrum disorder.
This year, Bishop Gorman (NV) ran away with the championship defeating NorCal’s Jesuit HS (CA) by a final score of 78-30. The Gaels have a young core and talented backcourt that features Jase Richardson, the son of former NBA player and slam dunk champion Jason Richardson. The younger Richardson possesses a smooth feel for the game and mature scoring prowess as a sophomore. At the Wild West Shootout, the 6’4” combo guard showcased strong perimeter shooting and flashed comfortability as a playmaker.
As part of the Pro Insight Q&A series, Richardson talked about leadership as an underclassmen, the best 2K player on his team, the time Coach Tom Izzo was courtside at one of his AAU games, and more.
For the next installment of the Pro Insight Q&A series, we present 2024 prospect Jase Richardson, from Las Vegas, Nevada:
Pro Insight: Obviously your father was a very successful NBA player, but talk a bit about your background. How did you get to where you are today?
Jase Richardson: Well, I've been around basketball my whole life, so it's kind of something that just comes normal to me and being able to play on a high stage with some of the best players, it's a dream come true.
PI: Anyone in your family not play basketball?
JR: Well, both my parents obviously played basketball and were basketball players and I got an older sister, she plays basketball and a younger brother who also plays basketball.
PI: You guys were at Border League in October and just won the Wild West Shootout…talk a bit about the season’s expectations and aspirations.
JR: Well, our main expectation is to win state because as of last year we didn't have a season, so we're all kind of anxious just to get out there and play games again and so the main thing is to compete for state, be one of the top teams and just get it done.
PI: Did you play any other sports growing up?
JR: I was a soccer player. I tried to get involved in as many sports as possible, just to keep moving.
PI: For those that aren’t familiar with your game, what are your greatest strengths and play style?
JR: Well, I'd say I'm a good playmaker, great shooter. I love uptempo playing and I am just an all-around player.
PI: Who do you model your game after or study on film?
JR: Well, the main people I watch are probably Kobe, Russell Westbrook, [and] Kyrie. Just some of the top point guards and trying to learn from them, take things from their game.
PI: What do you feel you still need to improve on the most? What have you been working on?
JR: Right now, just trying to get as many shots up as possible 'cause for practice, sometimes we just go through plays, sometimes we just do a lot. So just try to get as many shots up as possible.
PI: Who’s the toughest player you have ever had to guard?
JR: One person that was really hard to guard for me was Caleb Foster from Oak Hill. He plays the game the right way and he's a great player going to Duke.
PI: What are your short term goals you have for yourself as a player?
JR: Short term goals… just make the team better. I'm trying to be the leader on this team, even though I'm one of the young guys on this team, but my goal is just to lead the team, make sure we're all in the right places and try to get to that championship.
PI: What are your biggest interests outside of basketball?
JR: I’d say music and video games.
PI: Who are your favorite music artists?
JR: Lil Baby is probably my favorite rapper right now and then also, probably Polo G. I also love some Polo G, too.
PI: When you say video games, you mean 2K?
JR: Yes, always. That's my go-to game, right there.
PI: Who’s your go-to team for 2K?
JR: Ohh, go-to team…ahh man I just play with whoever at this point, 'cause I just play random teams, trying to play with any team possible. But [my] main team, probably the Brooklyn Nets.
PI: Who's the best 2K player on Bishop Gorman right now you think?
JR: Me (waits a second), by far (smiles). Nobody can beat me on this team, at all.
PI: If you were stuck forever on a deserted island and had all the food, water, and shelter you needed — what three personal items would you bring?
JR: Three personal items…anything?
PI: Yeah, we would give you food, water, and shelter. You can even bring people.
JR: Ahh. I’ll bring my brother. Probably some Gatorade 'cause Gatorade is my main drink 'cause I don't know what drinks you guys are giving me, but Gatorade and I’ll bring my phone. Something just to get my mind off that I'm on the deserted island.
PI: You have one hashtag to describe yourself. What is it?
JR: Ohh, that's a good question. #chillguy. I'm chill. I don't really like to do much. I'm just basketball and school…those are my main things. Just relaxed and laid back.
PI: What’s your recruitment update? Who has been recruiting you the most, lately?
JR: I heard from USC and Cincinnati. I am planning to take some more visits later on in the season.
PI: What’s an interesting anecdote or funny story you feel is unique or special to your recruitment, specifically?
JR: Umm, well one time over the AAU season, we're playing our final game out there, and I saw Coach Izzo at Michigan State…and growing up watching Michigan State, it was kind of surprising to me that he was at one of my games so I was a little bit nervous, but like a little bit excited. I didn't know what to do and I just went out there and played for him. And luckily got an offer from him, so that was super exciting for me.
PI: What will ultimately be your deciding factors when making your choice?
JR: Just narrow it down to the schools that need me the most and what fits my play style and I just gotta keep looking as I go through this process.
PI: There are a lot more post-grad options available these days with G League Ignite, OTE, and NBL, among others. Have you and your family done much research into those opportunities?
JR: Uh not much, but Jaden Hardy, who's also from here, we've been looking at his process and how he's gone from high school to the G League and it's kind of exciting watching him play in that.
PI: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
JR: Don't rush the process. It's a long process, it’s four years in high school. Just don’t rush the process and you'll get your opportunity.
PI: Name four words that best describe you.
JR: Intelligent, skilled, loyal, and laid-back.
PI: At the end of the day, what do you hope to be remembered for as a player and as a person?
JR: What I want to be remembered for is the guy who made the mark on the game, changed the way the game was played and just an overall guy that you can say was a great leader, great player, [and] did everything that he needed to do.