The Daily OrangeGolden boy: Entering senior season, Randle asserts role as Cal's leader
By Meredith Galante
Posted: 11/19/09, 1:01 AM EST Section: Sports
Jerome Randle said he felt like he was on an island last January, with his California team watching a late eight-point lead to Arizona State deteriorate down to just two. He felt all alone, with the game on the line.
Randle, the Golden Bears' point guard, had the ball in his hands with 2:13 seconds left. The Golden Bears ran their stagger option, a play designed to free Randle for an open look. He had a shot, but waited. Randle lingered until the screen popped up.
He pulled up for a 25-footer to put Cal up four, including the foul shot. The Golden Bears went on to defeat Arizona State, 81-71.
"It was a big moment for me in terms of watching his progress," California assistant coach Travis DeCuire said of Randle's play. "We needed to win some big games. We needed to prove to ourselves and the country that we could play with anyone. It was a tough atmosphere. He had the ball in his hands. It showed everything he worked for came together. He had a big smile on his face."
The long-range 3-pointer late in the game when the Golden Bears needed it the most became a trend for Randle. It became his identity.
Randle, now a senior, is California's "guy," head coach Mike Montgomery said. Despite four seniors returning to the Golden Bears, Randle leads the way. His junior year, he set the team's single-season record for 3-pointers with 82. He averaged 18.3 points and five assists per game.
Randle will now have a chance to showcase his talents in a large arena when his No. 13 California team takes on Syracuse today (7 p.m., ESPN2) in Madison Square Garden as a part of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.
"Well, he's a little unorthodox," Montgomery said. "So he has the ability to make shots at odd times in odd situations. He has tremendous range. When you don't expect it, he shoots deep 3. He has a lot of confidence on how he shoots the ball."
When the game was close, Randle gave California the momentum it needed to pull away, DeCuire said.
Randle, the Golden Bears' point guard, had the ball in his hands with 2:13 seconds left. The Golden Bears ran their stagger option, a play designed to free Randle for an open look. He had a shot, but waited. Randle lingered until the screen popped up.
He pulled up for a 25-footer to put Cal up four, including the foul shot. The Golden Bears went on to defeat Arizona State, 81-71.
"It was a big moment for me in terms of watching his progress," California assistant coach Travis DeCuire said of Randle's play. "We needed to win some big games. We needed to prove to ourselves and the country that we could play with anyone. It was a tough atmosphere. He had the ball in his hands. It showed everything he worked for came together. He had a big smile on his face."
The long-range 3-pointer late in the game when the Golden Bears needed it the most became a trend for Randle. It became his identity.
Randle, now a senior, is California's "guy," head coach Mike Montgomery said. Despite four seniors returning to the Golden Bears, Randle leads the way. His junior year, he set the team's single-season record for 3-pointers with 82. He averaged 18.3 points and five assists per game.
Randle will now have a chance to showcase his talents in a large arena when his No. 13 California team takes on Syracuse today (7 p.m., ESPN2) in Madison Square Garden as a part of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.
"Well, he's a little unorthodox," Montgomery said. "So he has the ability to make shots at odd times in odd situations. He has tremendous range. When you don't expect it, he shoots deep 3. He has a lot of confidence on how he shoots the ball."
When the game was close, Randle gave California the momentum it needed to pull away, DeCuire said.
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