BCL: Levi Randolph named MVP of December

For the second time in his career, Levi Randolph has been named MVP of the Month in the Basketball Champions League.

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem’s leader has been unstoppable all calendar year long, and after winning the MVP of April award, he is capping off 2023 by claiming December MVP honors, too.

Randolph has scored in double figures in every single game so far this season, powering Jerusalem to a 5-1 record and a direct berth in the Round of 16. December saw him get 13 points and 5 rebounds against PAOK mateco, then following up with 29 points in just 25 minutes of work against SL Benfica.

Some had wondered if he would even play against Benfica, since Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem had already qualified to the next stage, but there was no question in Levi’s mind about it.

“I like to compete. I think we’re very fortunate to play this game. I would never cheat the game, because if you cheat the game you won’t get the results. I say we have the best job in the world, playing the game we love,” the 31-year-old said after that game.

With Randolph running the show, his teammates have been enjoying this ride ever since coach Aleksandar Dzikic and the front office put this roster together. It’s not just in December that Levi has been great.

“He should’ve gotten it last month, too, but it’s all good,” Speedy Smith said, laughing.

“Levi is one of the most selfless players that I have played with. He’s obviously going to be one of the greatest scorers in the Basketball Champions League, but it’s honestly easy for him! We should all enjoy what we are seeing now, because we know where he truly belongs,” the Jerusalem point guard added.