Indiana Gaining Ground

Brian Randle, a 6-7, 215 pound small forward from Notre Dame H.S. in Peoria, Ill., has narrowed his focus to six colleges this spring.

Randle told the Insiders Report/Rivalshoops.com that Indiana has gained some ground in his recruiting process, and he is seriously mulling an unofficial visit to the Big 10 school this spring or summer.

Randle said that in addition to Indiana, he is also seriously considering Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Notre Dame and Kansas. He stated that he has been offered scholarships to all six schools.

If he were to take unofficial visits in the coming months, both Iowa and Indiana would be the most likely candidates right now, Randle said.

IU Head Coach Mike Davis was a consistent presence at Randle's games with the Ft. Sooy squad at the Kingwood Classic, and the Hoosier mentor was one of the last people to leave the gym on Sunday night.

Randle is happy to be playing this spring after missing half a season at Notre Dame due to a high ankle sprain. Even so, he put up very respectable numbers, averaging 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals and five blocks per game during the 2001-2002 campaign.

This past weekend at the Kingwood Classic, Randle especially impressed us with his ability to finish plays around the basket with finesse. His lanky frame won't allow him to out-muscle opponents on the low block, but he has a knack for finishing creatively around the rim. He's also a proficient slasher off the dribble who is a bit more comfortable facing the basket than with his back to it at this juncture.

Randle, who first gained notoriety playing with the St. Louis Eagles program, said he is happy to be playing with a lot of his friends this year on the Ft. Sooy team.

He will attend a number of events this spring and summer with Ft. Sooy, including the adidas Big Time Tournament in July. His first pit stop during the live period will be the Nike All-American Camp in Indianapolis, according to Ft. Sooy Head Coach Verdell Jones, Jr.

We'll keep you posted on Randle's play and recruitment this spring and into the summer, so stay tuned!