Michigan State University Athletics
A Likeable Fellow With A Menacing Game
1/8/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 8, 2001
He hung out on a different block than most Indiana basketball players came from. His hoop was a rusty wire rim with barely a net attached, a fierce contrast to the "backboard attached to the tree in the back yard" picture you conjure up when you think of Indiana basketball. But yet Spartan forward Zach Randolph has persevered to the point where he realizes that he can succeed in every aspect of his life.
"I have always had a lot of responsibility placed on me, even from when I was little," explained Randolph. "So the pressure here is nothing new. It's a responsibility to perform that I know I can handle. I am glad I went through the things that I did because it made me realize that I am a good person and taught me how to handle adversity."
A baby-faced freshman that looks more like a cherub than a basketball player, Randolph displays an uncanny sense of caring towards his Spartan teammates and fans. MSU supporters are glad that he descended from his heavenly abode to East Lansing, now able to fully appreciate the talent and charisma that he possesses.
"I want to give back to the community, be a role model for those kids here and where I grew up," said Randolph. "I think I am a role model now, in just the little things that I have done so far, letting them realize that they can do it too."
His character spells out positives not only in the community, but also on the basketball court. Randolph is having a sensational freshman campaign, ranking fourth on the team in scoring, averaging 11.4 points a game and second in rebounding at 7.0 boards a contest. Reflecting on what has been a breakout season, Randolph has one game in particular that he sees as his coming out party, a game in which he scored 27 points against a highly regarded Gator defense.
"The game against Florida has been the best memory so far," Randolph quickly replied with a smirk. "It has huge for me as I really got a chance to prove I can play."
While his accolades on the court have been both fulfilling and many, all the game-high honors can't compare to Randolph's crowning achievement in the classroom. He received Michigan State's Student-Athlete of the Month for October, a reward that has silenced his critics and made one Indiana resident a very proud lady.
"The first person I called was my mother," said a grinning Randolph. "She was very happy to hear the good news and then Coach Izzo called her and told her how proud he was. She just kept telling me to keep up the good work."
While in his Spartan basketball family, Randolph might assume a role as the younger brother, it's in his immediate family where he is the "man of the house". The eldest of five children, Zach has taken on the responsibility to tutoring his "students" of the game.
"All my brothers and sisters are so tall and trust me, they can all play ball," said Randolph. "Being the oldest, I have to keep them focused on what they need to do to improve their game and also let them know that they need to be concentrating on their schoolwork."
As the season continues on its long winding stretch through the Big Ten conference, Randolph has taken words of advice from those who have traveled the path before him on what it's going to take to be a championship level player. Senior leadership has played an intricate role in helping develop Randolph's game.
"The older players have helped me come along with my game," said Randolph. "And I take a lot from them. Facing them everyday is a lot of work, but it has helped me develop my game. I feel the seniors and the coaches really want to see me succeed and will do anything to help."
It's that type of support that has allowed Randolph to flourish as a freshman at Michigan State. And while he patiently waits for a staring role on the Spartan team, he understands that he has been blessed. For Zach is a big man with a big heart, whose desire to give back to those who have supported him is as big as his love for the game.
