The West Ham United goalkeeper made the short trip from London Stadium to the nearby Copper Box Arena to shoot hoops with the BBL Championship high-fliers.

The collaboration came about as both clubs prepare for high-profile clashes with Manchester-based rivals in the coming days – West Ham travel to Manchester United in the Premier League and EFL Cup, while the Lions welcome Manchester Giants to London on Friday 25 November.

Randolph, whose father Ed was a professional basketball player, is a keen player himself and relished the opportunity to share the court with some of the BBL’s top stars, including American guard and MVP candidate Alex Owumi.

“I am a huge basketball fan and it was great fun to get out there, take some shots and learn some skills from the professionals,” said goalkeeper Randolph, whose American father moved to his native Republic of Ireland to pursue his own career. “My Dad is 57 and still plays now. He taught me the basics when I was a kid and I like to think I’ve got a bit of game!

“I used to be one of the tallest and now I am one of the smallest! This is top level so it was a big step up for me. Basketball was always the first sport in our house but I them made the decision to become a footballer.

“Although football is my number one priority, I always enjoy the chance to have a game of basketball when I can. Obviously I’m not as good as these guys, but it was nice to get out there and test my own skills against them.

“They made me feel really welcome and I got quite far in one of the shooting games so I really enjoyed it.

“It is fantastic for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to have two top sports teams based here in West Ham United and London Lions and I’ll certainly be looking to come down and watch some games at the Copper Box Arena in the future.”

London Lions chief executive Vince Macaulay is no stranger to the Randolph family as he used to play professional basketball with Ed and could see the talent that Darren brought to the court.

He said: “Darren was very impressive and his follow through on his jump shot was really nice. He is a very competitive young man. When I spoke with him about his dad playing basketball I realised where his background was and he showed a lot of skills.

“It is unbelievable that I used to play with Ed back in the 1980s and I was shocked when he said that was his father so it is a small world.”

Macaulay is thrilled that West Ham United have moved into London Stadium and feels it will only benefit the team and everyone that is situated in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

“We are so pleased to have West Ham United right next door to us because it shows the superb facilities we have on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

“The fact West Ham United are playing here will bring a lot more attention to what we are doing here and we believe we are one of the best basketball teams in the country.

“Like West Ham our ambition is to play in Europe and I think drawing that attention will make people realise how good we are.

“Darren wants to come and watch us and the more people who come and support us make us proud about what we are doing for London.”

For tickets to watch the London Lions take on Manchester Giants on Friday 25 November at 7pm, visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk or click here.

Tickets for West Ham United’s EFL Cup fifth-round tie with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday 30 November at 8pm are on General Sale. To secure your seat now, click here.