March 10, 2004
Remembering Randolph
On Thursday, the fifty-first ACC tournament begins. Well, at least the Les Robinson Invitational takes place. The tournament really starts in earnest on Friday.
This is a great time of year for ACC fans - our Christmas season. We get a great tournament this weekend and then a few days of rest before the NCAA tournament begins next Thursday. I'm giddy just thinking about it!
When I think about the ACC tournament, I can't help but think back to my favorite tournament moment. Actually, it wasn't really a moment, but a performance I'll never forget. I'm not a Wake Forest fan, but what Randolph Childress did for Wake in 1995 still astonishes me. It was the greatest single streak of athletic performance that I've ever witnessed.
Wake, behind Childress and sophomore Tim Duncan finished the regular season in a four-way tie for first place with UNC, Virginia and Maryland at 12-4. Wake won the tiebreakers and got the first seed for the tournament. '95 was the season of the infamous Duke collapse, when Krzyzewski missed most of the season and Duke finished in last place at 2-14. Duke won their Thursday night game against Les Robinson's NC State team (of course, back then, State always played in that game).
So, Wake got Duke on Friday and Childress absolutely torched them, hitting 8 threes and scoring 40 points while also dishing out 7 assists. His 40 points tied for the fifth most in ACC tournament history.
On Saturday, Wake played and beat a talented Virginia team that would eventually end up one game away from the Final Four. Childress had his "worst" game of the tournament, hitting only 6 threes and scoring 30 points. Once again, he had 7 assists.
In the championship game, Wake faced a UNC team that featured Jerry Stackhouse, Rasheed Wallace, Donald Williams and Jeff McInnis and would eventually make the Final Four. Wake prevailed in overtime 82-80 behind Childress' 9 three pointers, 37 points and 7 assists. Childress scored all 9 of Wake's overtime points including the game-winning jumper with 7 seconds left.
It was a simply incredible three-game performance. Childress smashed the old scoring record by hitting for 107 points, an average of 35.7 points per game. He hit 23 three pointers in the three games, hitting 8, 6 and then 9. This entire season, only two ACC players had 8 three pointers in a single game. And on top of all that scoring, he dished out 19 assists. If you assume that those were all 2-point baskets, that means that Childress accounted for just under 50 points per game!
And he did all of that while playing with a broken finger.
One funny sidenote to the weekend was that after all of that, Childress was not unanimously selected as the MVP. In fact he wasn't even a unanimous selection as first team all tourney! Out of a possible 177 MVP points, he received 174. Joe Smith, whose team didn't even make the finals, earned 2 votes for tournament MVP. Donald Williams of UNC got the other. For the all tournament team voting, Childress actually came in second, behind Rasheed Wallace of UNC who scored 9 points in the championship game. Hopefully the ACC hunted these morons down and took their voting privileges just after beating them with a lead pipe.
Comments
I am sorry that I have only recently discovered this website. I remember Randolph. Dave Odom put him in a game as a freshman and Childress took over the game firing from all over the court and hitting threes; needless to say Odom didn't sit down and couldn't control Childress and from that moment on didn't try. After the game which Wake won thanks to Childress, big Dave in his post-game articulate and understated manner, allowed that he'd said (at some earlier time) that Childress "was more ready to play" in the ACC as any other recruit (at Wake.) What made the 1995 Tournament performance even more special was that Duke which Wake had crushed twice in the regular season actually had Wake down by 20 points in the first half. Wake could hit nothing and Duke was giddily Wo-jo-ing the crowd with a "can do no wrong" performance. But Childress, who was every bit a coach on the floor,had had enough and told his teammates so and fearlessly took control of the game and Wake had Duke reeling by halftime. Duke's season ended shortly after the teams took the floor in the second half. I have never seen a player like Randolph Childress who wanted the ball in hands at the end of a game. He is remembered not only for the Tournament but for motioning for the Carolina defender to get back up off the floor and come guard him just as he buried a three. I remember him best for a win at Cameron his Senior Season against Grant Hill, with Wake down by one and with seconds left took the ball one on one against Hill and made the game winning shot. I will always regret Randolph's ACL tear and his shoulder dislocation and surgery which may have robbed us (basketball fans, not just Wake fans)of a glorious pro career. And I will never be able to look at P.J.Carlisimo without having to pause and let the better angels of my nature take hold for preventing Childress from having an NBA career. It was a personality clash and he wouldn't play Childress who went overseas and became a feared scorer in the French League. He came back to a few NBA camps (Detroit, San Antonio) but never fell into the right situation. I suspect his knee limited his lateral speed as he grew older and had to become an offensive specialist. But with his trademark fearlessness. It is that trait employed without arrogance and rudeness (e.g. Carlissimo) that we all respect no matter which team
they play for.
they play for.
Actually the game-winner Childress hit over Grant Hill was in 1993-1994.
Dont blame Carlesimo. He's the coach. If a player cant handle it, STFU. Childress was obviously a cocky ignorant SOB like Latrell Sprewell. Tired of losers blaming the coaches for out of control players. Blame the teams for not suspending them. Childress showed his cockiness in college, and the pros wanted nothing to do with him. What good is all that talent if you dont have it in the head??
| ACCSux wrote: |
| Dont blame Carlesimo. He's the coach. If a player cant handle it, STFU. Childress was obviously a cocky ignorant SOB like Latrell Sprewell. Tired of losers blaming the coaches for out of control players. Blame the teams for not suspending them. Childress showed his cockiness in college, and the pros wanted nothing to do with him. What good is all that talent if you dont have it in the head?? |
You're comparing Randolph Childress to Latrell Spreewell? You're nuts.
And the NBA has NO PROBLEM with arrogant players. None. If it did, the league wouldn't have half the players it does now. Childress' problems in the NBA had nothing to do with cockiness. He just wasn't quite good enough. He wasn't very big, and he evidently wasn't quite quick enough to compensate. He was a HELL of a college player though.
| ACCSux wrote: |
| Dont blame Carlesimo. He's the coach. If a player cant handle it, STFU. Childress was obviously a cocky ignorant SOB like Latrell Sprewell. Tired of losers blaming the coaches for out of control players. Blame the teams for not suspending them. Childress showed his cockiness in college, and the pros wanted nothing to do with him. What good is all that talent if you dont have it in the head?? |
Randolph Childress and his family returned to Wake Forest this past year at the invitation of the University so that the new President of the University could see the kind of character of the young men and women who have graced the Campus and Halls in Winston-Salem in recent years.
Randolph Childress was a warrior, but embodied the famous observation of Aristotle: Anyone can be angry, but to be angry with the right person, at the right time, for the right reason and in the right way is not an easy thing to do. Therein lies the difference between Randolph Childress and P. J. Carlissimo and his apologist posting above.
Randolph was the consumate collegate player. He backed up his play with confidence, and it changed the ability of those around him. Unlike Chris Paul, who has much more ability/talent and plenty of confidence, Randolph was able to serve the full four years so that we could watch his ability grow and serve the team. Wake owes a lot to Randolph for being the glue between Rodney Rogers and Tim Duncan, and helping build the total program. Maybe this type of player serves to remind us that while there are big name stars in all sports, it is those players who raise the ability of the total group that really make the difference.
Who knows, it could explain why these Duke players from the losing season teams are the ones going on in coaching... it's not talent, it's heart that gives true leadership.
Who knows, it could explain why these Duke players from the losing season teams are the ones going on in coaching... it's not talent, it's heart that gives true leadership.
| acchalfbreed wrote: |
| Randolph was the consumate collegate player. He backed up his play with confidence, and it changed the ability of those around him. Unlike Chris Paul, who has much more ability/talent and plenty of confidence, Randolph was able to serve the full four years so that we could watch his ability grow and serve the team. Wake owes a lot to Randolph for being the glue between Rodney Rogers and Tim Duncan, and helping build the total program. Maybe this type of player serves to remind us that while there are big name stars in all sports, it is those players who raise the ability of the total group that really make the difference.
Who knows, it could explain why these Duke players from the losing season teams are the ones going on in coaching... it's not talent, it's heart that gives true leadership. |
I was with you until the end. That last part made me a bit queasy. I'm picturing some sort of American Express commercial featuring Chris Collins and Wojo. Ugh.
I knew of Childress as a player of the game in American basketball. I met him abroad as he has maintained his talents. From 2000-2003, I watched him play for two Italian teams. He has also played in Turkey, France, and Australia. Odom couldn't control him. Injuries couldn't stop him. My friend, will STILL shoot the lights out.
Childress was insane during that ACC tourney. My favorite moment was when he made the guy fall down with his crossover, motioned for him to come get some, and then hit a 3. I'll never forget that ACC tourney.
I STILL remember that UNC game in the ACC Tournament. Not only did he score all of Wake's points in ovetime, he scored their last 22 points of the game (INCLUDING all 9 points in the overtime). But what I remember MOST was his post-game quote as he was being interviewed immediatedly following the game:
"I told my teammates to gimme the ball and get out my way. If we lose, BLAME ME."
And quote has stuck with me my entire life since as the PERFECT example of the Big Shot Taker's mentality.
Not every player has that "Eye of the Tiger" and the confidence to take the big shot. Magic had it, Bird had it.......
.....and Randolph Childress had it.
"I told my teammates to gimme the ball and get out my way. If we lose, BLAME ME."
And quote has stuck with me my entire life since as the PERFECT example of the Big Shot Taker's mentality.
Not every player has that "Eye of the Tiger" and the confidence to take the big shot. Magic had it, Bird had it.......
.....and Randolph Childress had it.
I think Randoph was and still is the greatest clutch player in the history of the ACC. I know Jordon was a better player than anyone, and Bias was the only thing close to Jordon, but Randolph hit big shot after big shot, never backed away, and always found a way to winn. Before his acl injury , I saw him pick Kenny Anderson clean on consecutive trips down the floor, that injury robbed him of a step or two, and I think that is what keep him out of th NBA. He was all heart and courage, and the best ever at putting you away when he had the chance.
Randolph was definetly a great talent at Wake. I just wish he could have been more of a team player. He loved the spot light a little to much. Too much of a ball hog. You have to give the ball up to the big man. Pound it inside to Tim Duncan. In the NCAA tourney,Wake couldn't even get past Oklahoma St. and "big country" for cryin out loud. Wake was even a better team the next year with out him. If Rutland hadn't gone down in the NCAA tourney with a knee injury leaving Rusty Lurue to run the point who knows what could have happened. But when Randolph was hot he was the MAN!
Welli have to disagree with Deacman. When Oklahoma St. beat Wake, I put more of the blame on Duncan. I can't remember for sure, but I am pretty sure he was in early foul trouble, letting big country free. Also I'm not one to blame one player for a loss, especially in college, where on any giveing day anyone can beat anyone, well almost anyone.
RANDY CHILDRESS WILL ALWAYS BE A LEADER.PREMIATA BASKET MONTEGRANARO TURNS AROUND HIM IN EVERY GAME,IT IS JUST HIM WHO ALWAYS TAKES THEM TO REACH THE HIGHEST LEVELS.SUTOR MONTEGRANARO WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT CHILDRESS ALLOWED THEM TO OBTAIN IN THAT WONDERFUL SEASON 2005-2006 CHILDRESS THE GREATEST OF ALL
RANDOLPH CHILDRESS IS THE BEST PLAYER EVER PLAYED IN SUTOR PREMIATA MONTEGRANARO.EVERY SINGLE MATCH IS SET BY HIM .ALL THE TEAM TURNS AROUND HIM.ALL THE PEOPLE LOVE HIM AND WE REALLY HOPE HE WILL STILL REMAIN FOR LONG TIME.SUTOR MONTEGRANARO WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT HE ALLOWED THEM TO REACH DURING THAT UNFORGETTABLE SEASON 2005-2006. CHILDRESS NEVER LEAVE US
| TRE wrote: |
| RANDOLPH CHILDRESS IS THE BEST PLAYER..... |
There's no need to yell.
I didn't mean to...I just wanted to say that you have to look at him now playing on a court at 35years old.Always an exciting show.
| tre wrote: |
| I didn't mean to...I just wanted to say that you have to look at him now playing on a court at 35years old.Always an exciting show. |
Can you fill us United Statesers in on what Childress did for Montegranaro in 2005-06?
Thanks to Childress extraordinary capability of leading a team ,Sutor Premiata basket Montegranaro on June 4th 2006 finally reached Lega A, which is the maximum italian championship.It was the first time in its history.
Maybe I'm just speaking for myself, but I cannot read Italian (which is what everything came up in when I typed in "Sutor Premiata basket Montegranaro" and I have NO IDEA how leagues are structured in Europe (let alone Italy). I'm glad Randolph is still playing, that he is involved in Championship calaber play, and has fans around the world. And I'd love to know more about the specific team, the number of teams in the league(s) and how long Randolph has played for Sutor... which ever of the Italian words above is the name of the team. Feel free to over-explain.
If you look here - http://www.eurobasket.com/ITA/d2.asp - you'll see that Childress was the Player of the League in the Italian Liga 2 (second level) and his team won the playoffs. I assume that means that they moved up to the top division for this year.
It's interesting to look at the all-league teams. Joining Childress were Harold Jamison and Marcus Melvin.
The season before, the all-league team included former Lethal Weapon 3 member Brian Oliver (POY too) and Terrell McIntyre.
It looks like Premiata (Childress' team) is in Serie A this year and is in the middle of the pack - http://www.eurobasket.com/ITA/d1.asp. Hey, if you scroll down a bit you'll see that Travis Watson made the Serie A all-star team (along with Joe Forte and Harold Jamison)!
It's interesting to look at the all-league teams. Joining Childress were Harold Jamison and Marcus Melvin.
The season before, the all-league team included former Lethal Weapon 3 member Brian Oliver (POY too) and Terrell McIntyre.
It looks like Premiata (Childress' team) is in Serie A this year and is in the middle of the pack - http://www.eurobasket.com/ITA/d1.asp. Hey, if you scroll down a bit you'll see that Travis Watson made the Serie A all-star team (along with Joe Forte and Harold Jamison)!
Randy Childress has been playing with SUTOR PREMIATA for about three years.During season 2006-2007 he has faced so many great american basket ball players in LEGA A.What really impressed many italian fans was the game SUTOR against VIRTUS Bologna,where there is another american player..Travis Best.He is a very good player,but during that game Childress didn't give him any breath,Best had it so hard because Chilress was... excellent.
I thought was the only person that remebbered Childress. I was the only kid in Baltimore MD Terp country with a Wake Forest Jersey. There was definitely a place for him in the NBA if guys like J. Vaughn and Raffer Austin can play.
when i was @ high school (all the way over here in New Zealand) I rocked 22, and I still do now, for my favourite undersized 2 guard.. my idol on the court Randolph Childress.. when he crossed Donald Williams, (and no-one used to do that) beckoned him to his feet, looked @ him & drained that 3... damn i nearly wept.. boy had GAME hell HAS game.. watch FIBA world basketball on espn2 from time to time.. you'll see :)
Peace Randolph, your still loved worldwide!
Peace Randolph, your still loved worldwide!
A whole town loved and love him,but he has decided to go and make another experience.After so great success with SUTOR,Randolph Childress is saying good-bye to a team ,a place and people who will never forget him.Have the same great time,wherever your heart will take you.
i got more game than randolph childress we played eachother in summer league, he went to Wake i went to play ball in Cali, anyway I ripped, shook, broke that nigga down to his drawls, dunkin on him left and right. aint no nigga like me fuck jay z he broke and i smoke daily....
In regard to dmunee's comments, I doubt you even played Childress. If you did, you certainly didn't "break him". Still, your illiterate and obscene comments were unnecessary. I do, however, believe that you "smoke daily"!!!
When wake lost to Oklahoma St. Randolph had the Flu and could not run the court for more than a few minutes at a time. The TV showed him coughing up a lung a couple times. You could tell the guy was out there on will alone. And yes Duncan got in early foul trouble. Tim Duncan we know...... Big Sky who?
I have read all the things that have been written about Randolph over the last few years on this site and it has brought back a lot of memories. Randolph is a great player and an even better person. He was confident but not overly cocky. He was one of my best friends at Wake and has always been a great friend. He has given some great memories to Wake Forest basketball and they should appreciate calling him an alum. I am going to send him a copy of the posts on this site. I am sure that he will appreciate most of them.
P.S. dmunee where can we see your highlights? Do you even have any? Where did you play summer league, Kenner League or Urban Coalition? Will anyone remember you?
P.S. dmunee where can we see your highlights? Do you even have any? Where did you play summer league, Kenner League or Urban Coalition? Will anyone remember you?
I remember Randolph Childress, too. I'm a U-Md alumnus, and I saw Bias play live. But I have a the deepest respect for Wake because of what Childress did. He was the B-O-M-B. He played the greatest ACC Tournament of all-time, and those of us who fortunate to remember it are blessed with a gift. Thanks always, Randolph!!!
I remember, i know Randy, i just want say that all thet Randy do for the Basket Ball and what he will do is nothing if someone can know Randy when he smile and he talk whit you.Randy is the best guy that i ever know.
I hope for this beautiful game and for the people that will play basketball that Randy play 20 years more.
Bye all,
i love u Brother...
M.S.
I hope for this beautiful game and for the people that will play basketball that Randy play 20 years more.
Bye all,
i love u Brother...
M.S.
My son was to small for the Randolph years at Wake, but thanks to the VHS he was able to see the Legend... I am not sure how the VHS still works because I still catch him watching the Dean killer... As for him being a ball hog, if you are hot, shoot... Thanks Randolph for the memories....
Posted by Dave at March 10, 2004 10:32 PM
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