It’s been 15 seasons since Zach Randolph did his one-and-done year at Michigan State University, but he still bleeds green and white. Randolph has enjoyed a storied NBA career since he entered the league in the 2001 NBA Draft via the Portland Trail Blazers (19th overall). Jason Richardson, who was two-and-done in East Lansing, came out the same exact year.
Of all the Spartans to enter the NBA this millennium, Zach Randolph has definitely had the most stellar and productive pro career.
During that 15-year-span Randolph has made two All-Star game appearances and averaged at least 16 points per game in every season but three. He’s had six campaigns of at least 20 points-per-game, to go along with 10 seasons of double figure rebounds per game.
He’s had the best NBA career of any “Spartan Dawg” since Steve Smith. Richardson is probably right behind Z-Bo as the second best former Spartan in the league since Smith.
Draymond Green is off to a fantastic start in his pro career. It will be interesting to see where he ranks 15-20 years from now. Richardson averaged at least 20 ppg in three different seasons, and 15+ in 8. He’s also shooting 44% FG for his career, which is rather impressive for a guard.
Zach Randolph and Jason Richardson played together for only one season at MSU, and that team went to the Final Four. With Michigan St. currently undefeated and ranked #1 in the polls, we asked Randolph if he’s been keeping up with Michigan State.
“Yes sir, you know that baby,” he responded in this exclusive. “Spartans baby.”
He also had a lot of praise for Tom Izzo, even though he hasn’t been in touch lately.
“Yeah, we talk, I haven’t talked to him lately, but I love that man,” Randolph said.
It’s certainly the Golden age of Michigan State athletics right now. Basketball tops the polls as they resemble a national title contender. Football is playing for a berth in the national title game, as they’ll take on Alabama in the Cotton Bowl on December 31st.
Like all Spartans, Zach Randolph is very proud of what’s going on in E.L. right now.
“We’ve been winning here, it’s what it’s all about,” Randolph said.
With the Grizzlies, it’s been a different story. Memphis hasn’t built off of recent success this season, as they continue to hover around the .500 mark. Randolph has been coming off the bench for the Grizz, as Coach Dave Joerger shuffled the line-up around.
“Zach’s a starter and he deserves the respect of being a starter,” Joerger said pregame in Chicago.
“But we’re struggling with something to get us going and it changes up our line-up and gives us a different look.”
“I’m a big team-first guy, whatever it is, I’m rolling with the punches,” Zach Randolph said of the recent line-up shake-up.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. The website is also featured on News Now.
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