Julius Randle is expected to announce his college choice in March, a source with direct knowledge of the process told SNY.tv.
On the same day he dropped 35 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists in a playoff win (according to Jason Jordan of USA Today) Randle released his Player Blog Friday on USA Today and said he was closing in on a decision.
“I’m gonna shut all of my visits with coaches down,” he wrote. “I’ve got all the information now I’m gonna take time to process it all. So I won’t be meeting with any more coaches.”
The 6-foot-9 forward from Prestonwood (TX) Christian had initially cut his list to Kansas, Kentucky, Texas, Florida, N.C. State and Oklahoma, although he never took an official to Oklahoma.
“Now all of the visits are done and I’ve got to really start to think about what I want to do,” he wrote. “It could be a really stressful situation because this thing is hard. I know the truth is that all of these schools would be perfect. But I’m not letting it stress me out; I’ve just got to go to the best system for me.
“The place that fits me and the place that I’ll be happy. Wherever I felt the happiest is the place that I’m gonna go to.
Randle completed his last visit to Kansas over the weekend and came away impressed by their fan base.
“That was a great visit,” he wrote. “Kansas really made a big impression on me. I know I’d have a legit chance to win a national championship there.”
He returned to the court Feb. 15 after a foot injury had kept him out since just after Thanksgiving.
“The only thing was I was a little rusty, but that comes with reps so I’m not worried about that,” he wrote. “I still put up solid numbers (19 points, 10 rebounds and three assists) for the short time I actually played. I’m getting my rhythm back now. My explosion feels great too. I’m just excited man! Everyday my foot is getting stronger and stronger and my timing is getting better and better. I can still hoop!
“We’ve got a game tonight and it’s the state tournament now, so we can’t lose anymore. I’m just excited to have another chance to win another state championship. I’m blessed to be in this position. I love to test myself and see where I’m at, but I’ve been putting in a lot of work and everything is back.”
He was named to the Jordan Brand Classic set for April 13 at the Barclays Center and could also be added to the McDonald’s Game April 3 in Chicago, as we reported here.
Given his performance Friday night, it’s hard not to imagine he will be added to the game.
“I definitely want to be in the game, but I can only control what I do on the court and the work I put in; everything else is out of my hands,” he wrote. “I’m going hard every play, as always, and I know that situation will take care of itself.”
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