Arkansas coach Eric Musselman and staff have shown the ability to recruit elite talent, and the Razorbacks are hoping to lure ESPN 4-star Jase Richardson to Fayetteville after extending a scholarship offer on Wednesday.
Richardson, 6-3, 175 pounds, of Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, had offers from Arizona State, Stanford, Florida, Michigan State, Washington and others prior to the Razorbacks offering.
Arkansas’ second Elite Eight appearance this past season since Musselman’s arrival in Fayetteville has Richardson’s attention.
“I was pretty excited once I got it,” Richardson said of the offer. “They’re a good program. They had a big run this last year with a pretty good team, so it was a good feeling to get it.”
Richardson averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals per game for the 30-1 Gaels as a sophomore. ESPN also rates Richardson the No. 5 shooting guard and No. 25 overall prospect in the 2024 class.
College coaches were able to contact prospects in the 2024 class directly for the first time after midnight Wednesday. The Razorbacks got in touch with him and Musselman extended the offer later in the day.
Richardson’s father, Jason, started his 14-season NBA career by playing for Musselman at Golden State. He was selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft out of Michigan State.
“My dad said he liked him as a coach,” Richardson said. “He came into the league and that was his first coach.”
Richardson is good friends with Arkansas native and Razorbacks cornerback target Jeremiah Hughes, who also attends Bishop Gorman. Hughes will be making his third trip to Fayetteville this weekend for an official visit.
“I’d most definitely tell him that it’s an amazing place to surround yourself around,” Hughes said of Arkansas. “We’ll probably talk about how good their basketball team is and how we can both see each other playing there.”
He plays for the 16-under Paul George Elite in spring and summer basketball on the Nike EYBL circuit. Depending on his schedule, Richardson said he will try to visit the Razorbacks.
Musselman’s style of play that allows for freedom on offense while being aggressive defensively, and that is attractive to Richardson.
“I feel like it’s a good fit for me,” he said. “I’m a good all-around player and I feel like I could fit their system pretty well if I were to go there.”