Levi Randolph drives to the basket against a Creighton defender during last season's NCAA Tournament. (Submitted Photo/UA Athletic Department)

BY ALDO AMATO / REPORTER

Just one year removed after being one of the most coveted basketball prospects in the nation, Madison native Levi Randolph looks to do big things in his sophomore year at the University of Alabama.

Randolph began his college experience at the Capstone last year after being ranked by recruiting website rivals.com as the 30th overall ranked player in the nation.  Today, the Bob Jones alum is looking for a breakout sophomore year after a solid freshman campaign.

“I feel like Bob Jones prepared me for college,” Randolph said. “But the game is different and the practices and drills are a lot faster than in high school.”

Even with the sped up practices and game speed, Randolph said he felt the same ease he felt while being recruited by Anthony Grant, head coach.

“Coach Grant really makes me feel comfortable when I’m out there on the court,” he said. “That was one of the reasons I chose to go to Alabama. He is genuine and it felt like a perfect fit.”

Randolph said Grant is not the only person who has made an impact on his young basketball career. He said he attributes much of his success to his parents.

“My parents have always been there for me,” he said. “My dad he taught me the game and he can tell when something is wrong with me on the court.”

Randolph even has a strong support system on his team beginning with Huntsville native and former five-star prospect Trevor Lacey.

“Trevor and I are good friends,” he said. “We talk almost every day and it feels good to play with someone from the same area.”

Randolph’s numbers for the 2011-2012 season were solid averaging 6.5 PPG and leading the team in perimeter rebounding averaging 3.9 RPG. Although mostly relied on for his defensive skillset, Randolph did manage to have scoring outbursts against premier Southeastern Conference competition.

Randolph said his best game came against Mississippi State where he dropped 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists on the Bulldogs.

“I just felt comfortable that game,” he said. “My defense is what got me a lot of playing time last year but I had to execute on the offensive end too.”

Offense is one of the areas that Randolph noted that he has to improve on in his sophomore season to not only help his team, but to help refine his game if he one day hopes to play in the NBA.

“It’s always been my dream to play in the NBA,” he said. “But right now I’m so focused to play for Coach Grant and focus on helping out my team and become more comfortable on offense.”

Randolph’s commitment to improving his game can be seen when he returns to Madison. Whether it is playing pick-up games at Bob Jones, at Dublin Park, or just lifting weights at the gym, it is evident the young shooting guard is striving for excellence and eliminating off the court distractions.

“When I come home I have the same routine as I did in high school,” he said. “You just have to focus on your goals and do the right things.”