Like father, like son.
Jaxon Richardson, the son of former two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Jason Richardson, added a trophy to the family mantle on Monday night by capturing the Slam Dunk title at the McDonald's All-American Game.
Richardson, who committed to Alabama earlier this month, has opened some eyes during McDonald's All-American practices. The 4-star recruit has been viewed by many analysts as the best athlete in the 2026 class, and he put that on full display during scrimmages and then again during the dunk contest on Monday night.
The dunk that Richardson threw down to win it has to be seen to be believed:
JAXON RICHARDSON TO WIN THE 2026 SPRITE JAM FEST DUNK CONTEST 😲 pic.twitter.com/zxotRuiu7T
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) March 31, 2026
Jaxon Richardson wins the dunk contest at the McDonald's All-American Game
Richardson took off from near the free throw line and leaped over FIVE people, including a pair of 7-footers and Ronald McDonald himself. He added in half a tomahawk for good measure.
Goodness.
His other tewo dunks in the contest weren't too shabby, either:
Jaxon Richardson leads the Sprite Jam Fest Dunk Contest after the first round with a score of 76: pic.twitter.com/5wT3LxDWx8
— Sam Holley (@samh0lley) March 31, 2026
Jaxson Richardson gets a 70 in the second round and he is headed to the finals with a 146 score: pic.twitter.com/DTrXXAP2vO
— Sam Holley (@samh0lley) March 31, 2026
Richardson has had a strong week at the McDonald's All-American practices. His hustle and two-way ability have been on full display. While he's not much of a three-point shooter yet, don't be surprised to see the 4-star recruit come in and make an immediate impact for the Crimson Tide next season.
He's going to step on campus and immediately be one of the best defensive players on the team, and his high-motor will be contagious. Expect to see quite a few hard hat awards in Richardson's future.
When Nate Oats has talked recently about a change in roster-building, guys like Richardson are exactly what he's talking about. Versatile, athletic, and bigger wing types who can switch multiple positions defensively.
Pairing the level of effort that Richardson plays with with his ridiculous athletic ability will make him a load to deal with at the next level.
And just wait until he gets that first breakaway opportunity in Coleman Coliseum next season...
