Wizards @ Pelicans Takeaways
Chrissy Smith • January 4, 2025
Team Stats
(Wizards @ Pelicans)
Final Score: 120-132
Rebounds: 48-37
Assists: 28-36
Blocks: 0-6
Steals: 6-10
Turnovers: 21-7
Stat Leaders
(Wizards/Pelicans)
Scoring Leaders: Jordan Poole, 29; Christian James McCollum, 50
Rebound Leaders: Jonas Valanciunas, 10; Yves Missi, 11
Assist Leaders: Jordan Poole, 7; Dejounte Murray, 12
My Player of the Game: CJ McCollum
Chrissy's Takeaways:
- CJ McCollum dropped 50 points on the Wizards in a spectacular performance where he made 10 three-pointers in the game. He was cooking from the first quarter and you could tell something special was going to happen that night.
- The Pelicans snapped their 11-game losing streak by beating Washington, who had six wins coming into the game.
- One of the biggest keys to the victory for New Orleans was that the team only had seven turnovers the entire game.
- Rookie Yves Missi was spectacular again, finishing the game with 11 rebounds and one block.
- Jose Alvarado was back on the court after being sidelined for six weeks from a hamstring injury, and he immediately brought energy and a defensive presence to the team.
- Dejounte Murray had 12 assists, which was great, because he struggled offensively.
- The Pelicans look to get another win against the Wizards on Sunday on the road.
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RB 
Jake Randle @JakeRandle22 
Jake Randle is a versatile running back from the Class of 2026, known for his speed and agility. Standing at 5-10 and weighing 190 pounds, he has a compact, athletic build suited for the position with potential to add more muscle in college. 
Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, Randle attended Isidore Newman School, a program with a strong football tradition. He comes from a family of football players, which has influenced his development on the field. 
In addition to football, Randle is a multi-sport athlete with experience in track and field, where he recorded an 11.48-second 100-meter dash and a 23.36-second 200-meter dash as a sophomore. 
During his senior year in 2025, Randle transitioned to quarterback for his team, showcasing his adaptability and team-first mentality. 
Scouting Report: 
Speed and Athleticism: Clocked a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, a 37-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-1-inch broad jump at Tulane’s camp. His top-end speed reaches 21.53 mph, making him fastest on his team. Track background enhances his burst and long-speed. 
Versatility and Hands: Excelled as a receiver out of the backfield with reliable hands and lateral quickness. His successful switch to quarterback in 2025 demonstrates adaptability and football IQ. 
Vision and Elusiveness: Shows good patience and cut-back ability, averaging over 9 yards per carry in his junior year. Effective in open space and as a third-down back. 
Work Ethic and Leadership: Never missed a weight room session, served as team captain, and thrived under pressure in big games and position changes. 
Upside: Multi-sport profile and family football background suggest high developmental potential. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
RB 
Jaylin Lucas- FSU @jaylinlucas1 
Hall is rebuilding the attack around tempo, a passing game, pro-style elements (heavy tight end usage), more speed, and big-play explosiveness. He created the “Super Back” position specifically for versatile, mismatch-creating weapons like Lucas and Maurice Turner: “Mo and Jaylin will be our ‘X’ factor,” Hall said. “They’ll line up in the backfield, in the slot, everywhere. (Think Percy Harvin Role) 
They’re Darren Sproles, Reggie Bush, Christian McCaffrey-type players. Hall calls it the Super Back position.” 
Hall explicitly plans to deploy Lucas the same way Reggie Bush was used at USC, motion, screens, receiving, and explosive runs. 
In spring ball, Lucas has already flashed: “You’ll see him everywhere. Screen, passing game, he caught a hitch on the first day.” His twitch and speed were immediately noticeable, aligning perfectly with Hall’s vision for an entertaining, big-play offense. Lucas’s career production backs it up: 719 rushing yards & 4 TDs, 456 receiving yards & 2 TDs, plus elite special teams (1,420 kickoff return yards & 3 TDs, plus punt returns). He instantly upgrades both the backfield and return game after Tulane lost specialists. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X