Randolph earns SWAC Player of the Year honor
FAMU athletics photo
FAMU Sports Information
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – All season long guard MJ Randolph led the FAMU men’s basketball team. As is turned out, he will be remembered for much more than what he did to help the Rattlers to one of their most impressive seasons.
Three days before the Rattlers played their final game in the SWAC championship tournament, Randolph was named the conference’s Player of the Year. The honor makes Randolph the first Rattler to win a conference player of the year award since Delon Turner in 1992.
Randolph was also named to the All-SWAC First Team.
“I’m extremely happy for MJ,” said head coach Robert McCullum. “His selection as SWAC Player of the Year speaks volumes about his work ethic and consistency as he progressed from MEAC Freshman of the Year to SWAC Player of the Year.
“While there are so many outstanding players in the SWAC, MJ’s all-around game is what distinguishes him. And for added measure, MJ graduated Summa Cum Laude in three and a half years.”
Randolph impacted the Rattlers in every statistical category. He led the SWAC in points per game, third in field goal percentage, fourth in assists per game, fifth in steals per game, fifth in defensive rebounds per game, and ninth in rebounds per game. Randolph scored 30 or more points three times and 20-plus 14 times.
Randolph also had two double-doubles as he had 22 points and 10 rebounds against Texas Southern and 21 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds against LeMoyne-Owen.
He earned a weekly SWAC honor five times this season, more than any SWAC player.
“Being named SWAC Player of the Year is a blessing,” said Randolph. “There are many great players in the SWAC, so I am honored to receive this award. Winning reveals all the hard work and sacrifices made behind the scenes.
“First, I would like to thank God because he gave me this gift, my coaching staff who believed in me and gave me a chance, my teammates, which I couldn’t have done this without, and my family for unwavering support. The combination of patience and being humble through difficult times has paid off.”
Randolph’s play contributed to the Rattlers going into the SWAC tournament as the No. 4 seed against Alabama A&M last Thursday at Bartow Arena.
However, the Rattlers came up short against the fifth-seeded Bulldogs, losing 61-56. Randolph scored 19 point and recorded three steals.
The Rattlers and the Bulldogs split the regular-season contests. Both teams were close in field goal average Thursday night, but the Rattlers struggled at the free-throw line down the stretch.
