Player Portrait: Randy Livingston, Jr. Paving His Own Path

Palm Beach, Fl. — In what has been an unprecedented year for so many across the world, it is refreshing to hear encouraging stories like that of Randy Livingston, Jr. An amazing up-and-coming basketball player out of the state of Florida, everyone that has encountered this young man speaks nothing but high praise about him on and off the court.

Livingston, Jr. resides with his mother, Alessandra Livingston, in the state of Florida, and is the son of Louisiana high school hoops legend Randy Livingston, Sr. Like many during this time, Randy has been forced to travel long distances to find consistent hoops competition during the coronavirus pandemic, most recently finding a home with ES5 Select 2026, a program based near the Ohio-Kentucky border and sponsored by former Xavier University star, Edmond Sumner.

By all accounts, the 5-foot-10 combo guard has a natural ability to do a multiplicity of things when on the court. He can score, creates well for teammates, has an outrageous IQ, and brings good athleticism to the floor. Based on Livingston's pedigree and current size and skill set, he is one of the more intriguing backcourt players among the seventh-graders that we have evaluated to date. PrepHoopsNext.com recently spoke with ES5 Select coach, Andrew Mitchell, of ESS 2026 about the talented prospect.

"First, I have to give a lot of praise to [Randy, Jr.'s] parents for raising such a well-mannered young man," said Mitchell. "He's friendly, respectful, a good student, and a tremendous leader for our team." 

While Mitchell could not stop raving about how great of a kid Livingston is, it is clear his attributes on the hardwood are just as fascinating as intangibles off the court. When asked about what separates Livingston from other middle school players from around the country, Mitchell did not hesitate.

"It's his mindset. Randy has a different mindset," Mitchell stated. "He is always up to the challenge of whatever the game presents. Whatever he is faced with, he always steps up. [Recently], we played in Dallas, and Randy was too laid back. He was trying to fit in, instead of playing to the level of his potential. I pointed that out to him during the game. Afterwards, he apologized to me. That was amazing to me; his maturity. And of course, at the next tournament, he came out in beast mode."

This moment demonstrated to Mitchell, and others, Livingston's capability to both take responsibility for his play on the court and his ability "turn the switch on" despite his young age. When asked about Livingston's toughness and tenacity, Mitchell recalled a tournament in which his team had to complete a grueling four-game schedule in a single day.

"We've played in a lot of events, but at this [tournament], it felt like the games on Sunday were consecutive; there wasn't any time for rest," Mitchell recollected. "Randy just says to me, 'Coach, I am tired.' I was a little concerned because I thought he was telling me that he was done; that he didn't have anything left in the tank. Then he said, 'But we have a championship to win.' I knew at that moment that our guys would rally with him."

It is obvious listening to Coach Mitchell that Livingston, Jr. is a very special player at his age. The Class of 2026 prospect is fortunate to be surrounded by a nurturing environment that should help continue to keep him on the right track for long-term success. However, the young man's focus and drive are clearly his own.

Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!