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Anthony Randolph open for NBA return, admits that Europe has bettered him as player

Photo: Euroleague Basketball

Lokomotiv Kuban’s Anthony Randolph is open to return to the NBA once the Euroleague season is over but maintains that his focus is finishing third when his side face Laboral Kutxa on Sunday.

First quarter nerves and not taking advantages of their opportunities ultimately cost Lokomotiv Kuban in their quest for the championship in the Final Four just two years from competing in the Eurocup.

Randolph though remains engrossed in Sunday’s consolation clash with Laboral Kutxa.

“Mentally, I’m disappointed not to be in the title game, but I’m still grateful for the opportunity to be in the Final Four and I’m ready to leave everything out on the floor,” Randolph said.

“Laboral Kutxa are a great side. They beat top quality sides in Real Madrid and CSKA Moscow so we will be prepared for them. They have a great leader in [Ioannis] Bourousis and they got quick and skillful guards that can change games, so we will be prepared.”

Preparation and adjusting is something that Randolph has had to do during his spell in Krasnodar. The LSU standout previously spent six years in the NBA playing for four sides before his move to Europe. He admits that it was really difficult to alter his lifestyle and game but it has bettered him as a person and as a player.

Randolph has averaged 14.5 points, six rebounds and for a player of 7’0″, swiped the ball 1.3 times, on average. He also broke a Euroleague Final Four record against CSKA with eight offensive rebounds.

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Anthony Randolph pulled down eight offensive rebounds, a Euroleague Final Four record. But his side still lost their semi-final against CSKA Moscow. Photo: Euroleague Basketball

But the 26-year-old also admits that he is open to a move back to the NBA plus offers in Europe and will speak to his agent following the conclusion of the season.

“I’m open to any moves and I’ll be grateful and honoured for any move that I receive,” he says.

“Once the season is completely over and we’ve had our final team dinner, I’ll sit with my agent and discuss my options as it’s something I would like to do.

“Everyone’s goal is to be in the NBA and it’s something I would like to do but Europe has taught me a lot of things, how to be a better team player, how to adjust to different roles. Who knows, maybe I’ll stay here. We’ll see.”

Photo: Euroleague Basketball

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