Michigan State University Athletics
Randolph Declares Himself Eligible For NBA Draft
4/11/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
April 11, 2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State center Zach Randolph (Marion, Ind./Marion HS) announced Wednesday his decision not to return for his sophomore season by making himself eligible for the 2001 NBA Draft. The NBA's deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft is May 13.
A Sporting News Freshman All-American, Randolph completed his rookie season at Michigan State averaging 10.8 points per game (fourth-best on the team) and 6.7 rebounds per contest (second best), despite averaging just 19.8 minutes per contest. He had a field-goal percentage of .587 to rank third in the Big Ten Conference. His 6.7 rebounding average ranked ninth in the Big Ten. Randolph started eight contests during the Big Ten season. He scored in double-figures in 22 contests and posted two double-doubles. Against Florida, Randolph scored a season-best 27 points. In the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight vs. Temple, he recorded a season-high 14 rebounds.
Randolph arrived at MSU after a brilliant high school career. A USA Today and Parade Magazine First-Team All-America selection, he was MVP of the 2000 McDonald's All-American game, recording 23 points, a game-high 15 rebounds and four assists. He was also named the 2000 USA Today Indiana Player of the Year, leading Marion High School to the 2000 Indiana 4A state title and a No. 6 ranking in the USA Today Super 25 poll. As a senior, Randolph averaged 23.7 points, 14.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.8 blocks. Last summer, he was a member of the 2000 USA Young Men's World Championship Qualifying Team that captured a silver medal against international competition in Brazil. His 11.6 points were third-best and his 6.2 rebounds were second-best for Team USA.
"This has been a difficult decision for Zach Randolph, one that he has had to do a lot of thinking through," MSU head coach Tom Izzo said. "After weighing all the options, including where he is and his family's financial situation, it seemed in his best interest to enter the NBA draft.
"This was not an easy decision for Zach to make. It has been Zach's dream to play in the NBA, but he had to make this decision because his personal reasons also carried a lot of weight."
