Get To Know: Ahmad Rand

How about being "one-up" on your head coach even before you even step on the court?

That's what junior college transfer Ahmad Rand has on his head coach, Penny Hardaway.

Rand, a transfer from USC Salkehatchie, has three triple-doubles in his collegiate career, with all three coming for the Indians. Hardaway recorded two triple-doubles in his brilliant two-season career at Memphis.

"That's how I was taught to play – defense first," said Rand. "I've been a defensive player of the year and leading shot blocker four years in a row. To me, triple-doubles are nothing new. I don't even care about that. I just want to play."

Rand brushes aside the accolade of having three triple-doubles like he sweeps away shots from his opponents. The 6-foot-8, 185-pound forward led the junior college ranks in blocked shots each of the last two years and finished his two seasons at the Allendale, South Carolina school with nearly 300 swats. All three of his triple-doubles came the way of points, rebounds and blocks.

"My defense gets me ready for offense," Rand said. "If I'm getting blocks, rebounds on defense, then, for me, offense comes naturally."

Rand's two triple-doubles were among his 19 double-double performances he had as an Indian. One of his double-doubles was of the points-blocks variety, and another was rebounds and blocks.

What gives Rand his uncanny ability to block shots? Timing? Observing opponents' tendencies? Well, that and advice from his high school coach.

"I didn't start playing basketball until my sophomore year, so I really learned how to play late," said Rand, who averaged nearly five blocks a game in junior college. "When I started playing, my coaches told me to block everything and dunk everything.

"Timing has something to do with it (blocks), too. But I can't really tell my secret."

Although he had played some recreational basketball growing up, Rand's primary sport entering high school was football. Like his basketball career, Rand began his gridiron career on defense.

"I played football my freshman year of high school," Rand said. "I wasn't that good. During spring practice heading into my sophomore year, I got better at safety. But I said, 'This isn't me.' That's when I turned to basketball."

Let's learn more about Rand:

I started playing basketball … When I was nine or 10 years old.

When I'm not at practice, I'm … At home.

If I had a super power, it would be … To fly.

Sports other than basketball I played were … Baseball in eighth grade. I also ran track.

The best thing about Memphis is … FedExForum. It's the first time I had been in an NBA arena.

My Favorite Things
Mom meal cooks … Fried chicken 🍗
TV show as a child … Hey Arnold!
Toy as a child … Spider-Man 🕷️
Emoji … Laughing 🤣
Sport team … Los Angeles Lakers
Athlete … Kobe Bryant
Candy … Hershey's 🍫
Midnight snack … Everything
Holiday … Christmas 🎄

University of Memphis Athletics

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