Dave Sez

[Dave]

Permanent link to Remembering Randolph

Excerpt: 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...

[HoopRu]

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.

[HoopRu]

Actually the game-winner Childress hit over Grant Hill was in 1993-1994.

[ACCSux]

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??

[Dave]

[Guest]

[acchalfbreed]

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.

[Dave]

[Jesfazda]

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.

[Mac]

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.

[Shaun Blaze]

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.

[CHILL43]

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.

[deacman]

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!

[WFUnDina]

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.

[TRE]

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