Shooting from the paint: Dandenong Ranger star Emma Randall left Australia for Russia just a day after her side’s WNBL grand final loss to the Canberra Capitals.After the Rangers’ mid-season trip to Samara for the Women’s World League tournament, Randall was approached to play with Russian side Volgaburmash during the Australian off-season. By Glen Atwell
ARMED with only her supreme basketballing talent and her mum, Dandenong Ranger star Emma Randall is ready to wow the international basketball scene.
Jetting halfway around the world to play with city team Volgaburmash in the Russian National League and the Euroleague finals, Randall – known to her team-mates as ‘Randy’ – said her three-month contract was a dream come true.
“As a kid I always wanted to play in Europe and the WNBA (United States national league),” she said.
“It’s always been a dream, it’s only a short stint, so it will be good to go over and get a feel for European basketball.”
Disappointed after the Dandenong Rangers’ 13-point grand final loss to the Canberra Capitals on Saturday, Randall said it would have been great to leave Australia with a win.
“But we weren’t the best team on the day, so what can you do?”
Randall said Capitals’ heavyweight Lauren Jackson played a crucial role in stopping the Rangers winning three consecutive WNBL titles.
“Lauren is an awesome player, we struggled to contain her,” she said.
“She was the key player and they went to her, we just didn’t adjust early enough.”
The 20-year-old said relocating to Russia would be a bit daunting, but was lucky to have the support of her family.
“Mum is coming over for the first month to help me settle in, that will be great,” she said.
Randall, who will most likely be the only natural-speaking English player on her new team, said last year’s club championships were the catalyst for her return to Russia.
“I was asked back by a team that is based where we played the club championships,” she said.
Rangers’ head coach Gary Fox said it was great to see Dandenong players being recruited to play overseas.
“It’s tremendous for Emma, an amazing opportunity for her,” he said.
Randall’s Russian journey is also good news for Dandenong fans, who will no doubt see a fitter, sharper and stronger Randall return to the court next season.
“I’m returning in late May, so I’ll be well and truly back for the WNBL season,” she said.
