Randolph looking forward to Arizona
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- It has been an interesting winter for Sean Miller and Arizona as they have fought off various injuries and the mysterious Allonzo Trier suspension. However, they've been winning and there is much room for optimism for the Pac-12 program this season and beyond. One of the reasons for future optimism is the play of four-star wing Brandon Randolph.
A 6-foot-5 swingman at the Westtown (Pa.) School, Randolph plays for a talented program in high school but showed last week at the Hoophall Classic that he can put a team on his back and carry the scoring load. That is something he may need to do next year in Tucson depending on Trier's status and whether or not freshmen Rawle Alkins and Kobi Simmons decide to test the NBA waters.
Randolph is now a top-50 senior recruit that should bring immediate shot-making skills to Tucson next winter. He needs to get stronger, but his jump shot should travel and he's joining a great recruiting class that features the nation's top big man DeAndre Ayton, high flying forward Ira Lee and tough combo guard Alex Barcello.
“It is pretty great. I had never seen Ira Lee play before (Hoophall) but I was really impressed. He did get MVP of his team,” Randolph said. “I have played against DeAndre (Ayton) before, of course, and he showed up here.”
Naturally, Randolph is tracking his future team closely.
“They are having a pretty great year. Great coaching and next year we are just going to be a force,” said Randolph. “I think we are going to bring an impact to the team with my shooting ability, Ira Lee’s athleticism, DeAndre’s skill and Barcello’s skill.”
There is still some time to go before the group sets foot onto the Tucson campus and a few more dominoes could fall. Arizona continues their pursuit of five-star point guard Trevon Duval and five-star wing Brian Bowen and Randolph is willing to do whatever it takes to help get those guys on campus.
With or without those guys, Randolph has lofty goals.
“Shoot, we are going to be national champs,” the top-50 senior said. “We are definitely going to have to compete for that, though.”
