Craig Randall II hadn’t played in actual basketball games in almost two years. And then, just a few days ago, he was named the G League Player of the Week, while averaging 35.3 points per game.
Randall’s story is unique, to say the least, and it started at the University of Memphis. The 6-foot-4 guard spent his first two years in Memphis but started in only four games, so he transferred to Tennessee-Martin by his junior year. After graduating in 2020, he decided to go pro but went undrafted. With the COVID-19 pandemic at full roar, his options were limited.
Despite wanting to play, he passed on overseas options and remained in the States waiting for the perfect opportunity while working out in the gym with his brother.
This season, with hundreds of NBA players entering the health and safety protocols, NBA teams started signing G League players to 10-day hardship deals. As a result, G League teams were also looking for new players to add to their rosters – thus opening up opportunities for Randall.
Randall attended several tryouts and finally got picked up by the Long Island Nets.
A month later, the 25-year old combo guard was named the G League Player of the Week. So far this season, Randall is averaging 25.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. To this day, Randall is one of the rare pro players without a Wikipedia page, and a modest social media following (2,200 followers on Instagram, 464 followers on Twitter).
In an interview with HoopsHype, Randall talked about his peculiar journey, his ultimate dream to reach the NBA and more.