Randolph Talks About His Decision

We caught Shavlik Randolph, the top power forward from Broughton H.S. in Raleigh, NC, following his after-school study time and work out at Broughton High School.

Randolph announced last week at a press conference that Duke would be his destination. "It was down to Duke, North Carolina, Florida, Kansas and NC State when I made my decision," he said.

"I think it's a great opportunity to play under Coach K," he said about the newly-installed Hall of Fame coach. "I think my game fits in well with the type of system they play."

"I've developed a great chemistry with the other recruits," Randolph added speaking of point guard Sean Dockery, shooting guard J.J. Redick, small forward Lee Melchionni (who as it now stands, will walk-on), power forward Shelden Williams and center Michael Thompson. He said he's played with or against all of the young men.

"And," Randolph concluded, "I just felt very comfortable with the school."

There are surely athletic genes in the family. His grandfather, Ronnie, was an All-American basketball player at North Carolina State. He is still the sixth highest scorer at the ACC school; he averaged 18.5 points and 16.8 rebounds per game over his three-year career with the Wolfpack during the mid-50s. And hid dad, Kenny, played baseball in college.

The connection continues with his younger sister, Shenna, who is also a basketball player. She's a junior this season. Maybe we'll be hearing about her too.

Randolph said he expected his high school team would be in a position to compete for the state title as long as they play hard in each game.

"Yes, I'm glad the recruiting process is over," he answered. And there were a number of good things about the experience.

"I had an opportunity to meet so many people," he noted. "It was great that I was able to build outstanding relationships with all the coaches. And I got to travel all over the country."

As for negatives, there was just one: "Having to tell the other coaches that I wouldn't be going to their school. That was really hard," he said.

Randolph averaged 27.3 points, 12.8 rebounds and 4.4 blocks per game as a junior last season.

This reporter first saw Shavlik play at last season's Charlie Weber Invitational. A number of other scouts, especially those based in North Carolina, told us how good he was. Well, everything they said was true and then some.

This is a complete basketball player we can expect to enjoy watching for many years. How many of those years will be in college ball is no longer easy to predict. But wherever he plays, it will be fun.