Men’s Basketball Inks Nicholas Randall
11/13/2024 11:30:00 AM | Men's Basketball
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri men's basketball program welcomed its second Show Me State signee on Wednesday, officially inking Nicholas Randall (St. Louis, Mo.) on the opening day of the early signing period.
A 6-foot-8 forward, Randall led the Vashon Wolverines to a state title in each of his three seasons with the program, while earning player of the year honors at the state level as a junior.
"Nicholas is a player that we've built a strong relationship with since we first stepped foot on campus," said Whitten Family Men's Basketball Head Coach Dennis Gates. "He is a perfect fit for our system. His ability to shoot and pass at his size makes him a special player. What truly makes him elite, however, is his IQ, how he sees the game and his ability to communicate. He is a proven winner at every level and was a key piece of three state championship teams and he will only continue to grow at AZ Compass Prep. With the signing of him and Aaron, we made an emphasis to close down the border and add the best talent in the state of Missouri."
Randall collected Class 4 Player of the Year honors by the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association in 2024 after averaging 10.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He also totaled eight double-doubles during the campaign as he was named to the All-Metro Team by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch following the campaign.
Ranked as high as the No. 117 recruit in the nation, Randall has joined AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, Arizona, for his senior campaign.
"Nick has tons of potential," said former Vashon high school coach Tony Irons. "He is versatile, humble and a hard worker! What's most impressive is his character! I was fortunate to coach Nick at Vashon for three years and with Brad Beal Elite, his best basketball is ahead of him! Mizzou is getting a good one that Tiger fans will be proud of!"
"Nicholas is 6-8 versatile forward that is probably one of the smartest players I have ever coached," said AZ Compass Prep head coach Pete Kaffey. "He reminds me of a bigger version of Draymond Green in the way that he sees the floor. I think what Missouri is getting is a player that is ready to come in body wise and contribute from day one because of his physical attributes. He is going to bring rebounding and is a versatile forward that stretch the floor and hit threes. Nicholas Randall is going to be one of the top power forwards in the country."
"Nicholas "Butta" Randall has the tenacity and skill set to be the anchor of any team," said Brad Beal Elite President Tim Holloway. "His ability to defend and rebound at a high-major level will be a great addition to the Tigers. Nicholas is also a great young man that others enjoy playing with. Mizzou got a good one and we are super proud of him and his decision to stay home."
Randall joins Aaron Rowe as the first two Tigers to sign on the opening day of the early signing period. Mizzou currently owns the nation's No. 24 class, marking the third-straight season the Tigers have secured a top-30 class in the country (No. 27 in 2023 and No. 5 in 2024).
