JR is leaving Dallas

Kevin McCarthy
 

For some reason, there are Texans currently promoting the idea of the Lone Star State -- the second largest in the country -- departing from the rest of the United States. Such a secession would obviously create tremendous confusion. But in basketball matters, Jordan Richardson of Lewisville High (just north of Dallas/Fort Worth) is moving in the opposite direction. The 6-foot senior-to-be and his family are headed to California because of his father’s job and such a change is sure to scramble the rankings of northern California’s top ballers.

Richardson will shake up the NorCal rankings

Here’s Henry Thomas, the Lewisville High basketball coach, on his departing player: "In Jordan’s freshman year, he started as the point guard on the junior varsity. I knew he would come along and he was the varsity point in his sophomore season and we had three D-1 players on that squad. We went 27-8."

As for Richardson particulars, Thomas said, "He’s a ballhandler who sees the court well and shoots off the dribble. He has a solid upper body and his footspeed is so quick."

Thomas related what he labeled an amazing play Richardson once made in a Lewisville game. "Jordan was chasing the ball around half court and grabbed it as he was going out of bounds. Without looking [because he was facing the crowd], he threw a backhanded pass to a teammate near our basket and we got a layup. We just stood there on the bench, not believing what we just saw."

So why the move from Texas to the Golden State? Kevin Richardson, Jordan’s father, is working in Santa Clara. Although much thought went into the decision and many factors played a part, the elder Richardson said, "I would miss 90% of his games if the family stayed in Texas."

So look for the younger Richardson to be playing this coming high school season more than likely for Merrill West High in Tracy.

As for Jordan’s academics, Coach Thomas said, "You don’t have to worry about that part with Jordan." That’s because there is a family history. Kevin Richardson had the opportunity to walk on as a college football player but instead accepted an academic scholarship which resulted in him earning an engineering degree.

Jordan Richardson has already been flying out to the Bay Area on weekends and working out with the Bay Area Hoosiers. It was a club team program recommended to Kevin Richardson and, after doing some research, he concurred.

Here’s Philippe Doherty, the director of basketball operations for the Bay Area Hoosiers, on his latest player: "Jordan is a highly motivated, dedicated and tough competitor, extremely quick and explosive. With him, there’s a real maturity and calmness about him. Jordan is intelligent and he would rather make the simple and smart play than try for the highlight film."

As for Richardson’s skills set, Doherty offered, "He a natural point guard who has a natural feel for the game. Jordan sees the floor well but he can also really score. He’s like a silent assassin."

Here’s the young man himself describing his basketball strengths: "I can handle the ball and get everyone involved in the offense plus I have a solid jumpshot and am a good on-the-ball defender."

Hoops started early for Richardson, as if there was some sort of genetic predisposition towards basketball. He remembers, "I also used to play football but I fell in love with basketball. When I was really young, I didn’t want any toys, just a basketball."

As for his new membership with the Hoosiers, Richardson describes it thusly: "The workouts are really intense and hard" and he appreciates the emphasis on skill development.

Congruent with the family history of academic achievement, Jordan is looking to major in kinesiology in college. Besides that, he’s looking for an opportunity to earn early playing time and for a coaching staff that can help get him better "so I can take it to the next level."

He describes himself as quiet and reserved but that is until he gets to know somebody.

As for emulation, Richardson offered New Orleans Hornet point Chris Paul because "he involves his teammates and gets past people with his dribble-drives."

Basketball programs such as Lehigh, Tulsa, Texas State and Santa Clara have been in contact with Thomas for some time about his departing player. That line will obviously be lengthening very soon.