Haverford School point guard Kharon Randolph is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
The junior point guard’s fine all-around play (15.5 points per game, 4.2 rebounds per contest and 3.1 assists per game) has keyed the Fords’ outstanding season (16-1 overall, 5-0 InterAc as of Jan. 22). Last season, as a sophomore, he averaged 16.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 2.1 apg, while receiving first team All-InterAc and first team All-Main Line honors.
Q: You mentioned a couple of weeks ago that you’re working on becoming a complete player, not only in scoring, but defense, leadership, etc. What is the most important thing(s) you’ve learned this season regarding playing defense, and leadership?
A: The most important thing that I’ve learned about becoming a better leader and defensive player is communication. As a leader you have to be vocal and talk to your teammates. You have to encourage and give them confidence. Defense is all about communication. Defensive break downs will happen consistently without communication.
Q: You wear No. 3 for Haverford School. Is there a reason you chose that number – does it carry any special significance to you?
A: Allen Iverson. As a Philly kid, I don’t think there was a way possible not to like A.I. That encouraged me to wear No. 3.
Q: Have you always been a guard? Where did you get your start playing basketball?
A: I’ve always been a guard, but never truly a point guard until now. My Pop has been talking to me about basketball since I was in the womb, so I started from the beginning.
Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game, and what part of your game are you currently working on the most?
A: The strongest part of my game is my IQ. I’m not the strongest, nor the most athletic. I have to use my IQ to succeed. I feel like basketball is 70 percent mental. My athleticism is an aspect of my game I need to work on. That’s not one of my strengths.
Q: Who have been your most important basketball mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: A vivid moment was when my teammate, Christian Ray, was at the foul line near the end of the game and my other three teammates on the floor with me were just as excited as I was to the get the win. I just hugged everybody in excitement.
Q: What in your opinion is the biggest key to being a good rebounder?
A: Rebounding is all about position and desire. Outworking your opponent will help a lot with rebounding.
Q: Who are your favorite basketball players? Are there any players that you try to pattern your game after?
I’ve never got to play there, but the Palestra by far. It’s just so historic and many great things have happened in that building.
Q: You’ve attended Haverford School since ninth grade. Why did you decide to go there? What (in your opinion) is the best thing about being a Haverford School student?
A: I decided to go to Haverford because of the brotherhood and unity that I felt when I visited. I felt like family and I still feel the same way. The best thing about being a Haverford School student is that you are presented with many opportunities. You are open to a lot of things that are beneficial for you. The support system at Haverford is also great.
Q: What do you think you might like to major in at college?
A: I think I would like to major in physical therapy or something of that nature.
Q: What extracurricular activities are you involved in at Haverford School other than basketball? What sparked your interest in these activities?
A: At Haverford, I’m in Diversity Alliance, I also do art, write poetry, and I am a tour guide at the school. I have been doing art since I was younger and I only write poetry when I just want to clear my head. I just like representing my school, so being a tour guide helps that.
Fun facts – Kharon Randolph
