EAST LANSING – Former Michigan State guard Jase Richardson will compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest during the All-Star weekend in Los Angeles, marking a surprising development for many, including his former Michigan State teammate Coen Carr. Selected 25th overall by the Orlando Magic last year, Richardson’s participation comes as a surprise since it was not widely anticipated by those close to him.
Richardson’s entry places him among four contestants vying in the two-round event scheduled for Saturday, bringing excitement to the competition despite his relatively short stature at 6-foot-1—the smallest of the participants.
Former Roommate Reacts to Unexpected Announcement
Coen Carr, the Michigan State forward and known for his impressive dunking ability, expressed surprise upon hearing about Richardson’s selection. Carr and Richardson were college roommates and bonded over activities like building Legos last season.
He was surprised, we all were surprised,
Carr said after a recent practice.
I feel like if he was trying to get in the dunk contest I would have already known if he was trying to really get into it.
Richardson Aims to Compete Fiercely Despite Doubts
Richardson initially reacted nonchalantly to the news on social media, using laughing and shrugging emojis alongside the phrase “I guess.” However, he assured reporters that his intention is to compete seriously in the contest.
A lot of people don’t think I’m going to try because of what I tweeted, what I said,
Richardson said with a laugh.
but I’m not going to do something I’m not going to compete in. I’m always going to try to go win something, I don’t know if it’s going to happen but I’m still going to try to compete. I feel like I’ve got some stuff but we’ll see. Hopefully I can get one down.
Following in His Father’s Slam Dunk Footsteps
Jase Richardson will be the second member of his family to take part in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. His father, Jason Richardson, was a two-time winner of the competition in 2002 and 2003 while playing for the Golden State Warriors, and he earned All-American honors at Michigan State.
Carr noted the advantage Richardson might have by learning from his dad’s experience, though he said their conversations have steered away from discussing specific dunk strategies.
We talked about it but we didn’t really talk about the dunks or whatever he’s going to do,
Carr said.
He has his dad so I think he’ll be OK.
Recognition of Richardson’s Dunking Skills
Though Carr is often celebrated for his extraordinary dunking ability—with a 51-inch vertical leap—he expressed confidence in Richardson’s talent. Richardson usually keeps his dunking under wraps during games but has shown impressive moves during practice and casual sessions.
He’s got some 360s, he’s got some windmills, he’s got some stuff,
Carr explained.
He’s just a scorer so he don’t really show it too much, he doesn’t really play too much above the rim in the game but I’ve seen some stuff in practice and open gym and just playing around when we were in the gym at night last year.
Upcoming NBA Slam Dunk Contest Builds Anticipation
With the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest approaching, fans are eager to see how Richardson’s skills match up against some of the league’s best dunkers. His participation adds another compelling storyline to the event as he seeks to prove himself in a high-profile setting alongside established stars.
This contest not only offers Richardson a chance to showcase his athleticism but also connects the legacy of NBA dunking excellence through his family, potentially inspiring the basketball community and boosting his growing career with the Orlando Magic.
