JULIUS RANDLE

Status: UK signee
F | 6-8 | 240
High school: Prestonwood
Hometown: Plano, Texas
Twitter: J30_RANDLE

Considered by some the No. 2 overall prospect in the class of 2013, Randle seems like a natural fit for John Calipari’s dribble-drive offense.
The 6-foot-8, 225-pounder has the size to dominate in the paint, but he’s just as comfortable playing the “point forward” position. He drives to the basket with ease, and his court vision allows him to be an unbelievable passer for a big man.
Playing alongside so many talented prospects at Kentucky next season should only help his game.
“Anytime you have elite level guys around you, it makes things a lot easier,” Scout.com’s Evan Daniels told the Herald-Leader. “And I think it would also open up the rest of his offensive game. He was hit with all kinds of double teams, especially in AAU ball, and that’s not going to happen as much in college.”
Randle has played against UK signees Andrew and Aaron Harrison since fifth grade, and there were reports throughout the recruitment process that the twins and Randle didn’t get along.
That’s not the case, Randle’s AAU coach says.
“They’re all tremendous. They’re elite players,” Coach Scott Pospichal told the Herald-Leader. “I don’t think there are issues there. At the end of the day, there’s mutual respect around people who have accomplishments. Doesn’t mean there’s love, but there’s respect. And respect goes a long way. Respect who they are and what they do, and there’s a lot of success that will follow that pattern.”

Tracking Randle

“If Kentucky gets Julius Randle, I think you have to consider them the favorite to win the national title.”

- Scout.com analyst Evan Daniels