Player of December: Levi Randolph

It's enought to look at the tape of Levi Randolph's moves from the month of December, and also at the dozens of moves left on the editing room floor, to understand that the selection for the current player of the month is the easiest choice there is. Levi is a scorer. He came to Hapoel as the basket king of the Champions League, led it last year to the State Cup and the first European final in years, and finished as one of the outstanding players of last year's exciting season. However, the month of December this year was special and unusual, also for Randolph.
 

Even though December last year was the best month for Levi in the entire season, this year's December does not compare to that. Levi scored an average of 20 points in the four games he played this month (16 points on average in the corresponding month last year), scores 3 three-pointers on average per game at a crazy percentage of 48% (30% last season), and adds 3.5 assists to this offensive stew.
 

In Levi's case, the numbers are indeed very impressive, but it is very difficult to explain the ability without seeing him in action. The red forward does not impose himself on the game, does not hesitate to hand the ball to a player more free than him, and scores his points quietly, calmly, and with exemplary composure. The only way to understand Randolph's offensive power is to look at the scoreboard, see Levi's 20 points on it, and not understand when and where they came from.
 

The huge leap Levi has made is not only in quality but also in his versatility. His ability to punish the opponent for any defensive treatment applied to him and to obtain points from any situation and anywhere. Therefore, Levi is also Hapoel's perfect isolation player. When the offense is stuck, the clock is ticking, and the defense tightens - Levi will handle.

One of the things that makes Randolph a very complex defensive target for any team is his ability to exploit small spaces for his benefit. The defense, which doesn't want to give him the option of a three-pointer, prefers to give him small spaces in the mid-range area. Randolph, time and again, takes advantage of this small space and finds a way to penetrate, score, or pass.

Another factor contributing to Randolph's noticeable improvement is the overall pace of the Hapoel game this season. The Reds tend to run more, launch attacks from beyond, and flood the field. Levi is built for this – for attacks from beyond, precise running on the field, and diverse finishes on the other end. And when Hapoel runs, Levi flourishes.

So, there is no doubt that Levi Randolph is the outstanding player of the month of December. However, unlike last year when he peaked in March, it seems that this year Levi has much more room to develop and progress. And when Levi is good, Hapoel is good. If Levi expects an interesting season with a high ceiling, the fate of Hapoel is expected to be similar.