Levi Randolph (196-G/F-1992, college: Alabama, agency: Slash Sports) is a 30 year old 196 forward from Madison, Alabama playing his 8th professional season and first with Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (Israel-Winner League). He began his basketball career at Bob Jones high school and then played at the University of Alabama (NCAA) from 2011-2015 playing a total of 134 games. He turned professional in 2015 and played parts of 5 seasons in the G-League. In Europe he has gained experience in Italy, France and Belgium and also played in New Zealand. Last season he played with Filou Oostende (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 15.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 45.7%, FT: 76.6%; in the BNXT league and in the BCL: averaged 17.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 40.4%, FT: 83.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a BCL game against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.

Thanks Levi for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

Right now we are traveling to Germany for our next champions league game. Every thing is good. No complaints here for me.

Your playing your first season with Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (Israel-Winner League). What kind of experience has it been so far for you? Every American that I have spoken to that played there loved it.

It’s been a great experience for me so far. I’ve enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to a lot more great memories here.

Your living in the holy city Jerusalem. What kind of an experience has it been as an American taking in the special culture?

It’s been a great experience for me living in the holy city. I feel at home.

Your having a very strong season again putting up good stats in 2 leagues. What is your secret to always being consistent I different countries and leagues overseas?

There’s no secret to it. When you put in the work it will show. I just try to show up to work every day and continue to grow and get better. It’s all in the preparation.

You are the leader of the team and are averaging the most minutes in your pro career since playing in the G-League. What do you feel is still missing from your game to play in the Euroleague?

For me, I feel that I just have to continue to show that I can affect winning. If I can continue to do that and be consistent in my production then the opportunity will present itself when the time is right.

Last season you played with Filou Oostende (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 15.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 45.7%, FT: 76.6%; in the BNXT league and 17.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 40.4%, FT: 83.9% in the BCL. How did your game grow in this season after having had 2 more additional years of experience in the G-League?

I was able to have a big role with great teammates and coaching. They helped to elevate my game to the next level.

After playing your rookie season in the G-League, you then came overseas and played in Italy before heading back state side to play 3 more years in the G-League with Canton. Especially your second season was really strong. Did you ever feel like you were close to a NBA call up? You had 35 points at the start against Delaware and 47 points against Westchester near the end of the season.

Yea every year I felt that I was close. I started each of my seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers so I was an extension of their roster. Each preseason I started in the NBA before being sent to the g league. Eventually I got my NBA call up in 2020.

A guy like Dean Wade put up similar stats to you and then in your second season made the Cavs and is still there? Do you still have hope for the NBA or is Europe now your number one focus?

Dean Wade is one of my good friends. I was able to play along side him and see his growth. He prepared and when he got his opportunity he took advantage of it. I’m very happy for him. My main focus now is to be where my feet are. I have a great opportunity in Europe and I will continue to cherish this opportunity.

After playing your rookie season in the G-League you came overseas in 2016 for the first time and had a solid rookie season with Scandone Avellino (Italy-Serie A) averaging 9.6ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 43.6%, FT: 75.0%; and in the BCL averaged 12.6ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 31.9%, FT: 76.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home?

The wake up call was more so off the court. I was in a whole different culture where there was a major language barrier. My day to day life took a sudden turn. Trying to figure out how to live outside of the US was the biggest wake up call.

You had so many great players on the team like Joe Ragland, Marquis Green, David Logan, Martin Leunen and Kyrylo Fesenko. Do you remember one guy having the biggest impact on you? I can imagine it was David Logan?

All of these guys had a big impact on me. They showed me the ropes of playing and living in Europe. It was definitely a blessing to be able to play with them as a rookie

In your second season you split time with Banco di Sardegna Sassari (Italy-Serie A) averaging 8.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 52.9%, 3FGP: 21.1%, FT: 95.2%; and in the BCL averaged 9.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 56.4%, 3FGP: 35.7%, FT: 62.5%, in Jan.18 moved to SIG Strasbourg (France-ProA) averaging 8.6ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 36.9%. What memories do you have of this season? At least you had David Logan as a teammate.

This was a big season again for me. Being able to play along side another group of legendary European players. Zach Wright, Dee Bost, Miro Bilan, David Logan. This season we were able to win a lot and accomplish a lot as a team.

How did your game grow after 2 years overseas after having played as a rookie in the G-League?

I was able to be more strategic with the way I played. I was able to see the game from a different view point.

You played your rookie season with the Maine Red Claws (D-League) averaging 14.7ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 82.4%. What do you remember being your wake up call to playing for the farm team of the Boston Celtics?

I didn’t really have a wake up call. That year I started the season in the NBA with the Boston Celtics. I was able to learn a lot from Brad Stevens and his staff. It prepared me for the rest of the season in Maine

That season you also had really good games and was consistent. You had teammates that later would reach the NBA like Jordan Mickey And James Young. Was there a game that you particularly remember?

There wasn’t one game that stuck out. We had a lot of guys play with us that season. We were first in our division also. Terry Rozier also spent a few games with us.

You played at Alabama (NCAA) from 2011-2015. You reached the big dance as a freshman and lost the first game to Creighton 58-57. Is that one of those games you can still attempt to watch today?

I actually haven’t gone back to watch that game.

In your senior year you lost 70-55 against NCAA powerhouse Kentucky scoring 12 points and again by 22 points scoring 13 points. What memories do you have of that team with Devin Booker coming off the bench? Was that the best team you ever faced in the NCAA?

They had a really good team that season. A lot of fire power and current NBA players.

How did head coach Anthony Grant groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Anthony Grant developed a mental toughness for me and the rest of my teammates that will last a life time. That was the biggest take away from my time at Alabama.

Who is the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA

I’ve played against a lot of great players from NCAA. Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis, Jabari Parker, Zach Lavine. The list is long I could go on forever.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Michael Jordan
Allen Iverson
Kobe Bryant
Lebron James

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?

I think they are two different players of two different eras. Both great players.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

Haha yes I saw the sequel. I enjoyed the movie. But the original is a classic and will never get old.

Thanks Levi for the chat.

Tags : LEVI RANDOLPH, HAPOEL BANK YAHAV JERUSALEM, GERMAN BASKETBALL