NBA Draft Drama: Michigan’s Danny Wolf Gets Green Room Invite — But MSU’s Jase Richardson Left Off Elite List
June 26, 2025 — Brooklyn, NY
As the NBA Draft buzz reaches a fever pitch, one name among the green room invites is sending Michigan fans into celebration: Danny Wolf. The Wolverines’ 7-foot sensation, known for his smooth perimeter stroke, high basketball IQ, and positionless versatility, has officially been invited to the league’s most exclusive pre-draft room — a privilege reserved for players projected to go early in the first round.
The green room, an inner sanctum beneath the bright lights of the Barclays Center, is where cameras roll and Commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with future stars. And this year, Danny Wolf is in that spotlight.
“This is everything I worked for,” Wolf said at a media session following the invite. “It’s not just my dream, it’s for my teammates, my coaches, my family—and for Michigan.”
Wolf averaged 15.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks this past season, helping Michigan bounce back from a turbulent year to reach the Elite Eight. His skill set as a stretch big has intrigued scouts across the league, with comparisons ranging from a young Lauri Markkanen to a refined Al Horford.
But while cheers echoed in Ann Arbor, silence hung heavy in East Lansing.
Notably absent from the green room invite list: Jase Richardson, Michigan State’s freshman phenom, explosive guard, and son of Spartan legend Jason Richardson. A highlight machine all season long, Jase dazzled with his first-step burst, defensive tenacity, and crowd-silencing dunks. Many believed he had played his way into first-round consideration—if not the top 20.
Yet when the NBA released its official list of 20 green room invitees, Richardson’s name was missing. The omission triggered immediate backlash from Spartan fans and stunned disbelief from college basketball insiders.
“Jase not getting an invite is one of the biggest snubs I’ve seen in years,” said NBA draft analyst Malik Carter. “He’s a two-way guard with NBA pedigree and elite athleticism. To not even be considered for the green room? Something doesn’t add up.”
Social media erupted. The hashtag #WhereIsJase trended within hours. Even former NBA players chimed in, including his father, Jason Richardson, who tweeted: “Politics or perception, but my son’s game speaks loud. He’ll get his moment—invite or not.”
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo was more composed but clearly disappointed. “Jase has handled this like a pro. It hurts, but it fuels him. No invite changes who he is or where he’s going.”
Despite the slight, Richardson remains projected in the late first to early second round. Multiple scouts cite his upside, explosiveness, and NBA-ready mentality as factors that could make him one of the draft’s biggest steals.
And perhaps, in true Spartan fashion, that chip on his shoulder is just what he needs.
As Danny Wolf prepares for his moment in the spotlight, Jase Richardson’s story is still being written—not in velvet seats under bright lights, but in sweat, silence, and the steady fire of those who rise after being overlooked.
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