'Rome Becomes A Golden Bear
October 9, 2005
By Pat Benninger

 

Earlier this summer, Hales Franciscan’s Jerome Randle had an extensive array of top schools on his radar including Dayton, Florida State, Illinois, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan State, California, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, Tulsa, Utah, and Western Illinois.  After the AAU season ended, he narrowed it down to Dayton, California, and Tulsa; last week, he dropped Dayton; tonight, he chose University of California at Berkeley.

Randle exerts a great deal of speed when pushing the ball up the floor.  He possesses some of the tightest and quickest ball handling skills throughout the nation.  When penetrating it’s evident he is capable to get the cup at will to either create for himself or teammates.  He has a good midrange shot and is a monstrous on the ball defender.  However, what really sets him apart from others, is his ability to score.

The 5’8” super guard was very impressive this past summer.  He averaged over 20 points per game with Chicago Ferrari including a gusty 44 point effort in an overtime win against the New York Gachos at the AAU Super Showcase.  He also led the Ferrari to a national championship.

During the winter, Jerome has been part of a state title winning team, two of the past three years.  As a freshman, “Rome” as he is nicknamed, was the key player coming off the bench for a loaded Hales Franciscan; last year, he was the lead guard.

Jerome will join a profusion of top guards including Omar Wilkes who recently transferred from Kansas and Ayinde Ubaka.

Just two years ago, Illinois prep star, Eric Vierneisel decided become a Golden Bear and has fared very well.  Hopefully Randle can be the next big Midwest success out west.