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Former NBA player Jason Richardson opens up on "mental health" conversation with his son, Michigan freshman Jase Richardson
Former NBA star Jason Richardson and his son, Michigan State freshman Jase Richardson, understand the importance of mental health awareness. Both have been through adversity, having suffered serious injuries.
The duo appeared on the UNINTERRUPTED YouTube channel on Thursday where they talked about mental health and opening up to other people about it. The father and son met at Michigan State University for a deep conversation and to play some ball.
Jase Richardson discussed a serious knee injury he suffered in 2022 and his psychological well-being after surgery:
"When I was going through my surgery, my dad did touch on the mental side of things because I was so down on myself. There was days I wanted to quit, I didn't want to play basketball anymore. I was really frustrated with myself because now I'm knowing this is one of the most crucial summers when it comes to summer recruiting." Jase added. (1:40-2:13)
This was when Jason talked about how important mental health is for an athlete.
"That's when we really have to talk about, like, this is going to be the toughest part of your life, going through your rehab, understanding that a lot of college coaches are going to back off of you because they don't think you ever will come back from his injury. I don't know if I could have handle what he went through at that age," said Jason Richardson. (2:14-2:27)
The elder Richardson then praised his son for going through that tough time in his career.
"He really buckled down. he really stay focused. He was determined. He he did everything he could to get back to where he's at now. (3:37-3:43)
The two-time Dunk Contest champion also spoke about what it is like getting therapy, noting that like his son, he experienced having problems when he got injured.
"It was a lot of stuff buried inside me that I didn’t know exists and for the first time, I cried to a stranger. Knowing that, you know, some of the the mental health things I was going through over my life where it hold me back to being who I am today," he added. (2:39-3:02)
After his father helped him through tough times, Jase revealed that he has been meditating. While he initially thought that this would not benefit his game, this ultimately helped him become more relaxed.
Jase Richardson felt a connection to Jason Richardson's alma mater
Jase Richardson signed with Michigan State after his injury. He admitted that while his father had some input regarding the school, he felt a connection to the people there. In January, Richardson said (via The Springfield Student):
“For Michigan State, going up there on campus and talking to the coaches and players, I felt really connected to all of them.
“Even without my dad being there… I felt like it was family,” Richardson said.
While there were rumors that he was choosing Alabama over his father's alma mater, Jase Richardson ultimately decided to go to Michigan State and admitted that it was "100% my decision."
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