Rock Island Today

Chasson Randle hopes his recent performance in the FIBA World Cup in Las Vegas is just the beginning in his quest to prove that he belongs.

Not long after a 15-point, two assists, two steals showing in Team USA’s opening-game win over Uruguay, Randle jetted to Washington for training camp with the Wizards later this month. Under the watchful eye of former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy, the former Rock Island star added three points and a pair of assists in the team’s second game win over Panama.

“The first game I got in a little rhythm (5-for-8 shooting from the field, 3-of-5 on 3-pointers) and playing in front of a big home crowd got all of us going,” Randle told Dispatch-Argus.  “I didn’t shoot it very well in the second game, but played pretty well overall. I think I showed what I can do. I proved I am a playmaker whether it is scoring or moving the ball around.”

Randle arrived in D.C. a few days before camp officially began and is hoping to spend the free time working out with his new teammates and getting to know the coaches.

He told Dispatch-Argus he looks forward to mixing it up every day in practice with All-Star guards Bradley Beal and John Wall.

“I love it,” he said. “This is all I can ask for to be able to be pushed every day by two of the best guards in the league. It doesn’t matter who is on the court, being in an NBA camp is fun. I just want to prove I belong there for the regular season.”

The pact Randle inked with the Wizards is a one-way deal where he could be sent to the franchise’s G-League team. Being sent to the Capitals, however, would make him a free-agent available to any other NBA team. 

“This is my opportunity to show the Wizards what I’ve got,” he said. “I am just going to be going in there and trying to be a pro.”

Randle has played in 26 NBA games with New York and Philadelphia, averaging 5.3 points and 1.6 assists.