ORLANDO – Tuesday’s game was just an exhibition. But it sure didn’t feel or sound that way inside the Kia Center.
The crowd was electric, which gave the Orlando Magic some added juice in their rout of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This spirit and enthusiasm, in fact, can be felt throughout Central Florida as the start of the regular season draws closer. The Magic’s players can certainly feel it in the community.
One example of that occurred Wednesday in Sanford, where the Magic and second-year guard Jase Richardson hosted a basketball clinic presented by VyStar Credit Union at the Westside Community Center for approximately 80 youth, who were mostly from local Boys & Girls Clubs.
“I feel like there’s just a whole new energy going around the city,” Richardson said. “Even at the preseason game yesterday, there were a lot of people there…I think the city is super excited for this new season and we are looking forward to it as well.”
In celebration of the upcoming season and in recognition of National Jersey Day, each kid received a customized Magic jersey and wore it during the clinic.
Richardson, who was selected 25th overall out of Michigan State in the 2025 NBA Draft, has looked comfortable in the preseason thus far. He started in the first two games with Jalen Suggs out with an illness, including on Sunday in Cleveland where he scored 12 points and dished out four assists.
As we also saw in summer league in Las Vegas back in July, he’s gotten much better reading the game on offense and his relentless effort, ball pressure, and active hands are making him a more impactful defender despite being only 6-foot-1.
He said recently the game is starting to slow down for him, making it easier for him to pick his spots while using his combination of skills, which include having good balance and body control when he attacks the basket as well as a good shooting touch.
“I think my pace has gotten a lot better from last year,” he said. “I think last year I was stuck on one speed. I think this year I’m being a lot more patient, taking my time and switching it on and off.”
The Magic host youth basketball camps and clinics throughout the year. Click here to find out where upcoming ones will be held at and how to sign up. In addition to the expert basketball instruction they get from professional coaches, kids that attend a Magic camp receive free gear and a ticket to a select Magic home game.
It wasn’t long ago that Richardson, who will be turning 21 years old on Friday, was attending basketball camps himself. He’s grateful to have had those experiences and is humbled to now assist kids in their own basketball journeys while also boosting their confidence and spirits.
“It’s always special to try and give back to the community, especially to the youth,” he said. “I always feel like they are the future. Just trying to give them as much wisdom and any knowledge I know.”
As Richardson was hosting his clinic in Sanford, the Magic’s coaching staff was running one at the AdventHealth Training Center for Central Florida youth coaches. On the practice floor, head coach Sean Sweeney and his assistants shared in-game strategies, drill ideas they can implement in practices, and communication tips that will help them better connect and engage with players.
