Arizona Basketball: Brandon Randolph emerging as a leader for the Wildcats

Sophomore guard Brandon Randolph is emerging as a leader for the Arizona Wildcats basketball team this season.

New season, new look! Sophomore guard Brandon Randolph’s transition from his freshman year to his sophomore year has been remarkable. From playing limited minutes and mainly coming off the bench to being a starter, he has emerged as one of the true leaders for the Arizona Wildcats this season. Randolph aka as “Slim” is slim no more, more like Stronger Slim!

In his freshman year, he only started in 4 games and averaged 11.6 minutes per game. He was part of a team that was stacked full of NBA talent and as a result didn’t get to see much playing time. When he did, Randolph showed his natural athletic ability on both sides of the court. As was the case though for many of the freshmen last season, they learned the hard way about the true difference between high school and college basketball.

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Randolph only averaged 3.7 points per game, but in three of the four games he started he scored in double-digit points. This season he has drastically increased that averaged only after one game. In his sophomore début against Houston Baptist, he scored 25 points, 8-12 from the field, 2-5 from three-point range and 7-8 from the free thrown line. Randolph also grabbed 4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block.

One of the main reasons for the increased production is because this season Coach Sean Miller is putting him in as a starter and has paid off for the Wildcats! Going from being a bench player to a starter has been no problem so far for Mr. Slim.

Another factor that has contributed to his newfound success is his strength. His physical difference his clearly visible and he is using that to his advantage. Randolph is attacking the basket and not afraid of any contact. Not only is he not afraid of some contact, but he is also finding ways to finish those drives.

https://twitter.com/Pac12Network/status/1060380285760491525

In addition to being a starter and increased physical strength, the confidence he has in his jump shot and three-point shot is night and day. In the two exhibitions and one regular season games played, Randolph has been on fire from all over. Watching him play, kind of reminds me of Allonzo Trier in how he was always looking ways to create his own shot and has that no fear mentality on offense. That style of offense has gone well for Trier and the New York Knicks!

Just recently, Randolph was given the gold practice jersey, which is given to the player who had the best week of practice. No surprise here as Randolph’s hard work in practice has paid off with his latest outing.  Wouldn’t be surprised either if he earns that jersey just a “few” more times this season.

After their win against Houston Baptist, see what Randolph had to say about his performance:

As this season continues on, Randolph will be an essential part of the Wildcats success this year. He understands his role is much different from last season and will look to give his team that offensive firepower that was lost last season. Bear Down Slim!