When Alexander Dzikic started building his new team in Hapoel Jerusalem this summer, the name of Livai Randolph immediately appeared on the lists.
The American forward recorded a wonderful season in Ostend, and also won the title of king of baskets in the Champions League.
In the capital, they made great efforts to sign him, and indeed succeeded, and Randolph became the first foreigner to join the team.
Just before Jerusalem's opening match at the European Factory, he was revealed in an exclusive interview to Israel Hayom.
June Rickner
Before we start, tell about the meaning of your name which sounds like Levi.
"I am named after my father, we carry it with pride. I realized that I am in the right place according to the name and can feel at home."
You are a good friend of Ratin Obasohn who played in Jerusalem last year.
"He is one of my best friends, like a brother to me. We grew up together and played together. He also recommended that I come to Jerusalem."
Randolph (30, 1.95) played last year in Ostend and averaged 18.1 points per game.
In the past he played in Abellino, Sassari, Strasburg and also in New Zealand under coach Dan Shamir, he also played in the NBA and the development league.
Randolph.
A close friend of Obasohn, photo: Danny Maron
You had a great season in Ostend as the basket king of the Champions League, why did you decide to leave and come to Israel?
"The coach had a big influence on the decision, he talked to me and made me feel that this is the right place for me. I'm sure I can continue to improve and develop, because I haven't reached my peak yet."
You previously played under Dan Shamir, how was the experience?
"I really liked playing for him. We talked during the summer and he recommended me to sign here."
What is your and the team's goal for the upcoming season?
"To win, that's the goal. I want to win as many games as possible and record a great season."
Randolph.
Want to win, photo: Danny Maron
Jerusalem comes to the upcoming season with a lot of expectations and pressure, how will you deal with it?
"For me it's basketball, it's the game I've been playing since I was a 5-year-old boy. Stress is an environmental factor, our goal is not to deal with it."
What do you think of Dzikic's coaching style?
"He is a great connoisseur of the game, who teaches you down to the smallest detail level so that you do everything accurately. He knows what needs to be done to win and what he wants from the players, I appreciate him very much and am happy to learn from him."
Randolph.
Wants another championship, photo: Danny Maron
"Wants to win another championship"
What do you think of your ability in the pre-season training games?
"Overall we did a good job. We are still learning to get to know each other and connect as a team, and once we do we will be a very dangerous team."
Hapoel Jerusalem has not been successful in the Champions League in recent years, how will you change that this season?
"Our goal is to change that. Last year I was in a team that was successful even though they were not expected, I would like to bring the same energies with the goal of being successful here as well."
How will the collaboration between you and Kadin Carrington work this season?
"It will be a successful combination. We are an energetic duo that can score a lot of points and provide firepower in the attack."
Randolph.
He doesn't care how many he scores, photo: Danny Maron
You talked about firepower in attack, is keeping the title as the king of baskets a goal for you?
"No, I want to help the team win, scoring is only one possible way. We have a lot of different tools and weapons in the attack this season, and I will do what the coach asks of me."
Do you have a message for the fans ahead of the season?
"You are great and give us energy so far in the preparation games, continue to support us and follow us."
What do you wish for yourself this year?
"To win the championship. I won the championship last season, and I want to do it again this year."
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