Randolph Tech's Lett learns from best

"He's really busy during the season, but I see him maybe twice a month," said Lett, whose father, Gene, played at the original Parkway and is McKie's longtime best friend. "And I know I can call him whenever I want. He has a really big court right behind his house and he puts me through drills back there."

Do those drills sometimes blossom into one-on-one?

"Nah, none of that," Lett said, laughing. "I don't think I'm ready for him."

Though Randolph, located on Henry Avenue at the foot of East Falls, is mostly known sportswise for its football partnership with Murrell Dobbins Tech, it's also a fourth-year Public League basketball member. Lett, by far, has been the shining light.

Thanks to a relentless approach that really does mirror Lowry's, he is averaging 25.5 points through 12 games. Tuesday, he totaled 25 points, five assists (could have had six more) and six steals in a 62-61 Division D loss at Alvin Swenson.

His 3-year varsity time has produced 692 points in 43 games (16.1 ppg) and his total would be roughly 1,100 had the Raptors fleshed out their schedule.

His father said Eugene was told numerous times, by many, to transfer to a school with higher hoops.

"He didn't want to hear it," Gene added. "He loves the school and the people and he didn't want to leave."

Said Eugene: "I didn't even play basketball in middle school, so I wasn't looking for 'a basketball high school.' My mom [Valerie] wanted me to go somewhere where I could learn a trade. I wound up here and it's been great for me. I grew up far away, too, [near 57th and Rodman, in West Philly] so it's not easy to get here.

"I try to be a leader. Make sure kids don't mess up. I'll be telling guys, 'Take off that hoodie,' or 'Put away those iPods.' We should be here to learn and do things the right way."

While darn near gushing, coach Michael Moore said Lett is loved by teachers and students alike and serves as the perfect basketball leader.

"Coach is another reason I stayed here," Lett said. "We have a very good relationship. It's tough to get seen [by colleges] when you're playing for a small school, but if you're good enough you can still make a name for yourself. Cheyney's showing interest in me now."

Lett is enrolled in Randolph's Fire Academy. While also learning about firefighting, he concentrates more on the EMT aspect. He has ridden shotgun with paramedics, learned to perform CPR, been part of internships at Einstein Hospital, etc.

"I like helping people. This seems like a good way to do it," he said, simply. "It's nice to know I could feel comfortable in this line of work. In college, though, I'm thinking more like athletic training or sports medicine."

Eugene, known to some as "The Locksmith" because of his defensive skills, said his father attends every Sixers game. Eugene hits maybe 15 a season, depending.

"I like watching my favorite guys from the other teams," he said. "I always go see Kobe."

And the view is bird's-eye material.

"Our seats are right behind the Sixers bench," he said.

Lett that be a lesson. It helps to have friends in high places.

Football commit