Jaxon Richardson, the son of NBA legend Jason Richardson, just committed to play college basketball at Alabama. The highly-touted recruit did not pick the Crimson Tide because of the money.
His father wants to set the record straight.
In an era of college basketball where NIL can drive decisions, Richardson chose the place that made him feel like a priority and provided him with the best opportunity to succeed. It was not driven by finances.
Who is Jaxon Richardson?
At 6-foot-6, 205 pounds, Richardson ranks as the top wing player in the recruiting Class of 2026, the No. 7 small forward and the No. 21 player overall. He is a four-star prospect with 21 offers from schools like San Diego State, Villanova, Florida, Georgia, Louisville, Michigan and Cincinnati.
The decision ultimately came down to Ole Miss, Creighton, USC, Miami and Alabama.
Jaxon Richardson is obviously in high demand as the son of a former NCAA champion and first-round NBA Draft pick who averaged 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game during a 15-year career. His big brother, Jase Richardson, was also a first round NBA Draft pick. Basketball is in their blood!
However, Jaxon is more than just his family. The long-armed winger has the most bounce in high school basketball. He flies high to the rim in transition, on the putback, or off of a lob. It doesn’t matter.
If you get him the ball near the rim, he’s going to slam it home — and if you’re not careful — on your head. (His dad was a two-time NBA Dunk Contest champion!)
Check this out:
These were all in-game:
Richardson shows strong instincts as a cutter and transition runner, and great feel as a ball-handler. He is also extremely fluid and athletic enough to impact the game on defense from multiple positions.
The long-term upside to Richardson’s career is undeniable. The only reason he is not a five-star prospect is because of his shooting. There is some room for improvement from beyond the arc and from the free-throw line. That will come with time.
The son of Jason Richardson did NOT choose Alabama for the NIL money.
Most college basketball “insiders” expected Jaxon Richardson to pick Creighton. They were surprised by his commitment to Alabama.
Joe Tipton said “Creighton recruiting him harder” and “Alabama did not make him much of a priority.” What does he know? Nothing! Jason Richardson set the record straight about his son.
“Although Creighton did an amazing job at recruiting Jaxon, Let me give you some background you clearly don’t have insight on. The reason I wore #32 in high school was because of Preston Murphy. He was one of the best players to ever come out of our hometown of Saginaw. In fact, my freshman year I chose to attend the same high school because he went there.
“Nate Oats and Preston also recruited my son Jase and began building a relationship very early with Jaxon during Jase’s recruitment back in 2023. Most recently, when Jaxon was hospitalized with the flu in January, Nate Oats was calling my wife Jackie and texting me every day checking in on him.
“So when you talk about ‘priority,’ understand this first, this decision wasn’t based on a moment it’s built on a 30+ year relationship between Preston and me, plus an almost four year recruiting relationship with Jaxon. That’s more than enough for Jaxon to know he was a priority.”
It also had nothing to do with money, despite what Creighton fans might think. The Richardson family patriarch also made that clear.
“I know in the NIL era money is a huge part, but trust me money never was and ever been a deciding factor for him. He felt Bama was the best place for him.”
Jaxon Richardson chose Alabama because the Crimson Tide provides him with the best opportunity for development and success. Nothing more needs to be said!