The animated former Spartan is looking to work his way into a deep Portland lineup.
Rocky Widner
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Zach Randolph was a first round draft pick in the 2001 NBA draft. As an early entry candidate, he left Michigan State after just one season. He was named to the 2001 Sporting News Freshman All-American team in college and was the NBA's Rocky Mountain Revue's Summer League MVP.
Zach is one of four children from Marion, Indiana and is a die-hard Michael Jordan fan. Randolph lives for basketball and says the highlight of this season is playing with all of the great teammates on the Blazers.
Zach chatted live on nba.com and blazers.com on Wednesday, December 3.
jeff (friend of luke) at 4:49 pm ET
At state, the team was the family and the coaches as i saw it were always there to help on and off court, but in the NBA it is different. How have you adjusted to the off-court lifestyle of the NBA? Did mom move back to Portland with you? Or did another family member make the move?
Zach Randolph at 4:50 pm ET
I live by myself. My mother stays back at home. I've adjusted well. I spend quiet time by myself and play video games. I'm adjusting pretty well.
rk from at 4:50 pm ET
How do you feel in your role with the Blazers?
Zach Randolph at 4:51 pm ET
Every player has a role. As the year goes on I'll continue to get better. I do what I need to do to get on the floor.
Craig at 4:51 pm ET
What made you decide to leave college after one year?
Zach Randolph at 4:51 pm ET
Just because I thought was the best player I could be and I thought I was ready for the next level.
Mike (From NJ) at 4:52 pm ET
Hey Zach,
How does it feel to play in the NBA?
Zach Randolph at 4:52 pm ET
It's great. It's something you've always dreamed of. You get to go against players you watched when you were young.
Andrew M. at 4:52 pm ET
Which Blazer teammate has had the biggest influence on you so far and why?
Zach Randolph at 4:53 pm ET
Everybody. It's a team thing. A family thing. I ask everyone questions. Scottie, Rasheed. I've learned a lot.
Frank at 4:53 pm ET
Zach, I hear you are pretty good at video games. However, I also hear rumors that you are avoiding Rasheed because he is the King Video Game player on the Blazers. Is this true? And what is your favorite Video game to play?
Zach Randolph at 4:54 pm ET
Man, I'm the best in video games! My favorite is NBA2K.
THE MAYOR at 4:54 pm ET
Do you have a nickname? And how do you like Portland so far this year?
Zach Randolph at 4:54 pm ET
Portland is a great place, it's nice to be here. Nickname huh? Most people have always called me Z-Bo.
Stephanie from at 4:55 pm ET
What do you think is the secret of teams that play together really well? Do you think it's just getting to know each other (time), the coaching, or the skills of the players themselves?
Zach Randolph at 4:55 pm ET
Everything. Chemistry. As we get better and start playing we'll come along. Just play hard and listen.
Bryan L. at 4:55 pm ET
Hey Zach,
What player are you most excited to play against or has it already happened?
Zach Randolph at 4:56 pm ET
I wanna play against Jordan. That's everyone's dream. Hopefully I can guard him for a possession.
Tony C at 4:56 pm ET
As a young player have you been knocked around by bigger and stronger veteran opponents, or do you feel like you have the strength and size to compete at the highest level right now?
Zach Randolph at 4:56 pm ET
I've been knocked around and schooled but it's part of learning. But I'll have my day.
Marc at 4:56 pm ET
Hey Z. Do you miss MSU? How often do you get to speak to Coach Izzo and your former teammates? Also, is the NBA as intense as the WAR drill at State? Good luck....
Zach Randolph at 4:57pm ET
I talk to everyone once in a while. The War Drill -- I don't know if the fellas here can handle that beating.
Big Yos at 4:57 pm ET
Zach, I like your style of playing. A lot of people are comparing you to Glen Robinson. What do you think about it ? Hope you make it big in the League. Peace
Zach Randolph at 4:58 pm ET
Oh yeah. I can see myself being compared to Big Dog. He's got a great inside/outside game. That's not a bad comparison. Thanks.
Craig Moore at 4:58 pm ET
Who has had the biggest impact on you as a person? And what characteristics did you learn from that person?
Zach Randolph at 4:59 pm ET
I think my mother. She's been there my whole life. Whatever I went through, she stuck by me. I think that's important for anybody.
Craig at 4:59 pm ET
Hey,
Have you got to watch MSU and if you have how do you think they are doing. THANKS
Zach Randolph at 4:59 pm ET
MSU is gonna be OK. Coach Izzo knows how to coach basketball and those guys play hard.
Brian at 4:59 pm ET
Hi Zach! What are your plans for the holidays?
Zach Randolph at 5:00 pm ET
I don't know. Chill at my home and play video games I guess.
jeff- kaysville at 5:00 pm ET
Zach, what type of music do you listen to if any to pump you up for a game?
Zach Randolph at 5:00pm ET
I listen to rap. Juvenile, Noriega. Everything.
Garland Simmons at 5:00 pm ET
How do you feel having home state players on your team? And do they take care of you?
Zach Randolph at 5:01 pm ET
They look out for me. Bonzi treats me like a little brother.
Brian at 5:01pm ET
You're the best in video games huh? So which do you recommend?? Xbox? Playstation 2? Game Cube? Other?
Zach Randolph at 5:01 pm ET
I recommend the DreamCast or X-Box.
Cujo from at 5:01 pm ET
How did it feel when you heard your name called on draft night?
Zach Randolph at 5:02 pm ET
That was one of the biggest nights of my life. You can't explain it. It's such a great feeling.
The Rain King in PDX at 5:02 pm ET
Have you had time to get to see Portland yet, or have you been working too much to see our beautiful city?
Zach Randolph at 5:02 pm ET
I've seen quite a bit of Portland and I like it. The people are nice.
jeff- kaysville at 5:02 pm ET
What is the team chemistry like at Portland, and how do you feel Coach Cheeks is compared to Izzo?
Zach Randolph at 5:03 pm ET
Coach Cheeks taught me how to play in the NBA. They're both great coaches, but different.
jeff friend of luke at MSU at 5:03 pm ET
What was the first thing you bought after you got that first check?
Zach Randolph at 5:03 pm ET
I got myself a truck and a house for my mom. Oh yeah, and a couple pair of new shoes.
Jennifer at 5:04pm ET
How do you think that the team is doing considering that you have gotten off to a rocky start? Do you see the team polishing off the rough edges and start to play some good ball?
Zach Randolph at 5:04 pm ET
Yeah. We're gonna be alright. It's chemistry. But we're gonna be OK.
Pooh at 5:04 pm ET
I love cats. Do you have any pets?
Zach Randolph at 5:04 pm ET
Not yet. But I wanna get a pit bull or a canary.
Samantha at 5:04 pm ET
What has been your best memory of being in the NBA so far?
Zach Randolph at 5:05 pm ET
Hanging out and spending time with the guys.
Craig Moore at 5:05 pm ET
What type of perseverance did it take to achieve your goal and dream of reaching the NBA?
Zach Randolph at 5:06 pm ET
Just hard work and believing in myself. Also with the help of my mother. If you have a good mindset and make up your mind to do it, you're gonna do it.
Zach Randolph at 5:07 pm ET
To all the fans, thanks. You're gonna see a lot more of Zach Randolph. Hi to all my friends and all the NBA fans out there.
