Coen Carr confident in ex-MSU roommates arsenal for NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Published: Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:00 am

Former Spartan Guard to Compete in NBA Slam Dunk Contest

East Lansing, MI - The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is set to feature a surprising participant this year: Orlando Magic rookie guard Jase Richardson, a former Michigan State University standout. Richardson, drafted last year, will compete in the two-round event during All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.

Richardson's selection came as a surprise to many, including his former roommate, Coen Carr, a highly regarded dunker himself. Carr, known for his impressive athleticism, expressed his surprise at the announcement. Richardson's initial reaction on social media, accompanied by emojis, hinted at his own surprise. However, Richardson has since confirmed his intention to compete, stating his competitive drive and willingness to try for a win.

The younger Richardson follows in the footsteps of his father, Jason Richardson, a former Michigan State All-American who won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2002 and 2003. At 6-foot-1, Jase Richardson is the shortest of the four contestants.

Carr, who shared a living space with Richardson last season, has seen his former roommate's dunking abilities firsthand. While Richardson is primarily known as a scorer, Carr has witnessed impressive dunks during practice and informal games. Carr believes Richardson possesses a repertoire of dunks, including 360s and windmills.

BNN's Perspective:

The inclusion of Jase Richardson in the Slam Dunk Contest is a welcome surprise. While his height may be a disadvantage, his family history and competitive spirit suggest he could be a dark horse contender. It will be interesting to see how he performs against the other participants.

Keywords: NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic, Michigan State, Coen Carr, Jason Richardson, dunking, All-Star weekend, rookie, basketball, competition

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