California Golden Blogs: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
New Blog: Anonymous Eagle covering Marquette!

Breaking Down the 2009 Cal Men's Basketball Roster

2346578239_a189615727_medium

via farm3.static.flickr.com (Image from EOS Boy)

(We've been loving the feedback guys--33 responses so far! Keep it up.)

I hate to alarm you, but hoops season is under a month away, and practice kicks off Friday. Cal basketball is getting set to tip off a very big season, and it's time to start getting acquainted with these guys! Let's look at the depth chart, position-by-position.


Center: Markhuri Sanders-Frison, Max Zhang

Probably the biggest mystery on this team. Jamal Boykin played most of his time at the four last season, but slid over to the five when Jordan Wilkes was relegated to the bench for long stretches last season. Sanders-Frison could challenge for the starting spot immediately--he very much fills the Wilkes role, with a wider frame and stronger athletic ability that could ultimately make him more valuable.

It's uncertain what Montgomery plans here; if he decides to continue with the perimeter attack Cal displayed last season, the center position will probably remain a fungible position, plugged in with the tallest guy who can grab rebounds (6'8" Jamal Boykin and 6'8" Harper Kamp played plenty at the 5 last season). Sanders-Frison certainly fits that model, and based on Monty's assessment we could see him a lot this season.

"He knows how to play, and guys really like to play with him," Montgomery said. "He's got good hands, long arms, he outlets the ball well. When he gets deep (under the basket), he's really tough to stop."

The intriguing component is Max. He had a dominating University Games performance, routinely putting up double doubles as if he were the Chinese Dwight Howard. Of course, playing againt university kids from Dubai and Cape Town will be quite a different animal than dealing with Cole Aldrich and the Pac-10's best bigs like Michael Dunigan. However, if Zhang were able to show consistency in his game, he could be a huge asset and solve the problems Cal will again face at this position. Thankfully, other than Dunigan, the Pac-10 seems low on quality centers this season.

What are your preliminary thoughts on the Cal basketball roster? After the jump, we tackle the other 4 positions.

Star-divide

Power forward: Jamal Boykin, Harper Kamp, Bak Bak

Although Boykin will be starting this season, the question will be "4 or the 5"?. If he sees starting minutes at center while the young guns readjust, it means relying heavily on Kamp at the 4, who is still not up to speed after his second major knee surgery in April. So you'd guess Monty would keep him at power forward, even with the inexperience at the center position.

Bak Bak is probably still a year away from contending serious minutes. However, if Kamp's injuries hold him back for extended periods, the developing Sudanese could definitely penetrate into the rotation, especially during non-conference matchups. Patrick Christopher is high on him.

Well, I call him Bak Bizzle. That's just a little something I came up with. He's originally from Africa [Kenya, by way of Sudan], and I was his [recruiting] host. He played in LA for a little bit in high school. Since being on campus, I've had the chance to play with him a little bit. He's very long, he can step out and shoot it -- a skilled player. So he'll be a nice addition for us.

Small forward: Theo Robertson, Omondi Amoke

Really, most of the intrigue comes at the 4 and 5 spots, because the bottom 3 is locked. Although I'd love to see big things from Amoke, barring injury the only thing he will probably get this season is a few more minutes here and there to spell Robertson. His time is probably a year away.

Shooting guard: Patrick Christopher, Jorge Gutierrez, D.J. Seeley, Nigel Carter

We know everything we need to know about Christopher. The only question is how much he'll rest he'll get this season--he averaged 33.5 minutes a game last season.

Gutierrez played a lot of the 2 last season, but also the 3 to spell Theo. Given his ability to handle the ball, Montgomery could trust him to move the rock upcourt as well, and he could draw several key defensive assignments with a year of experience on his belt. If he could show better offensive ability, it could alleviate the bench scoring issues and take much of the load off of the starting 4 seniors, plus make the Bears even more potent when they play small.

Seeley is still an unknown. Although he showed a lot of raw potential last season, he struggled with his shot as the season went on, forcing Christopher to bear more minutes to get some kind of offensive production. Carter isn't likely to see more than mop-up duty this season.

Point guard: Jerome Randle, Brandon Smith, Nikola Knezevic

We shouldn't expect much of a change here, except maybe a little less minutes for Randle . He logged even more minutes than Christopher, going at a taxing clip of 35 minutes a game last year, and there were entire games where Jerome didn't see the bench. Although Randle never showed signs of tiring (and he has bulked up this season), you'd like to see a little more balance in minutes between starters and bench.

Like at shooting guard, he big questions at this position are behind the senior point, all centered around who can take off and win the backup job. Can the true freshman Smith immediately challenge Knezevic and win the backup starting spot? Nikola played well when he was called on last year, but it was very sparingly, at only six minutes a game, which makes you think Montgomery really doesn't trust him to carry the load for too long.


Enter the frosh from De La Salle, Cal's point of the future. Arguably, he'll get a great chance during the nonconference schedule to display his capabilities. Good play could assure him quality minutes, and ease the burden on Randle for carrying the load.

The pieces are in place, and for the most part our roster is set, with only a few questions marks hanging around our bigs and our bench.

But we've seen this story before, this season, in football--will Cal hoops be ready to win the big games? That issue's still very much up in the air.


(Note: In basketball terms, 1 is point guard, 2 is shooting guard, 3 is small forward, 4 is power forward, 5 is center).

Poll
The position that interests me the most on the 2009 Cal basketball team is...
Center
71 votes
Power forward
8 votes
Small forward
4 votes
Shooting guard
6 votes
Point guard
10 votes

99 votes | Poll has closed

1 recs  |  Comment 61 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Voted for PF. Sanders-Frison doesn’t really have center height, does he? Looks much more like a PF. So, that would leave Cal with 3 PF’s to play the 4 and 5. I’m fine with that actually, as long as Kamp can get healthy in a hurry. As for Zhang, I’m going to set zero expectations and hope for a little improvement.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Oct 13, 2009 5:58 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I was having the same thoughts about Sanders because at this point none of us know what his 6’8 will really look like against Pac10 bigs. Total mystery, but I’m digging his bulk. Max has earned a shot, has the height of a Pac10 big, but is lacking in the strength/bulk dept. Can’t we combine them in some kind of “The Fly” like contraption?

I’m guessing Monty will give both enough mins during the preseason to get a clearer picture. Plus, since our first four games will be televised (assuming we keep winning), the fans will have a clearer picture too.

Our play in the paint and Jorge will make or break this season IMO.

I’m pretty happy with this team but these ultra high expectations are making me uneasy.

by danzig on Oct 13, 2009 7:48 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree that that the bigs are the key difference between a good season and a great one. That said, Cal should not lose to the Oregon States of the world and give em those wins and Cal has 24 victories last year. As for Jorge, I’d be fine with pretty much the same spark he provided last year. OTOH, I really want to see improvement from Amoke and Seeley. Their depth could provide huge dividends late in the Pac-10 season.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Oct 13, 2009 8:00 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

OMG… that Oregon State series was painful to watch. Us playing like shit actually launched their season… so embarrassing.

I agree, I think Seeley will have a breakout season… I started to see his confidence grow towards the end of last season and I’m sure his role will grow from here.

I won’t be satisfied with Jorge just being Jorge. I forgot who made this point first (I think it was Avi??) but Jorge provides a spark, yes… but he also makes rookie mistakes like turning the ball over and not making key free throws. If he can just improve slightly, minimize his mistakes and score at least six points a game, it could mean two or three extra conf wins. WHen he scores at least six points our win percentage goes through the roof.

by danzig on Oct 13, 2009 8:22 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, assuming Cal lacks a difference-maker at center, how bad is that, really? What big men are in the Pac-10 that are going to hurt you? There aren’t any dominant centers in the league that I can think of. It might lead to a bad matchup in the tournament, but I don’t think it will cost us many games in the Pac-10.

Regardless, this is a shooters’ team, and the key lies with getting them open. The big problem with the Oregon State losses was that we just couldn’t get our shooters open consistently enough; figuring out how to do so is key for us this year. I also think Harper Kamp’s health will be a big key for us. We don’t need that much scoring from him, but he’s definitely our best interior passer. Interior scoring from Boykin would be nice though, just to sag some of the pressure off of the outside.

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Oct 13, 2009 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pretty much everyone on this team (I don’t know about the freshman and it gets pretty dicey with Jorge) can step back and hit a 3.

All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!

by rollonubears on Oct 13, 2009 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Uh, I don't know what OSU games you were watching

but the Bears, particularly in the second game, were so open they couldn’t think straight. Or at least that’s the only explanation I have for the number of bricked jumpers by unguarded players.

Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving

by PaulThomas on Oct 14, 2009 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think you’re overestimating how much size college centers need. This isn’t the NBA, you rarely come across 7-footers, and even most teams don’t play 6’10-6’11 guys. Sanders-Frison is supposed to be bulky, right? In that case he’s easily got Pac-10 center size. That’s also another point I was gonna touch – Avinash said if Boykin + Kamp were playing together Boykin would be the 5 and Kamp the 4. Not that there’s really a difference between C and PF in a college scheme, but I’d call Kamp the 4 because he’s bigger and stronger and more of a rebounder, and plays more around the hoop than Boykin. Boykin’s quicker/leaner and can handle the ball a bit more and shoot it from the midrange – he’d definitely be the PF (and he can play a bit of SF, too).

I really dunno why I said so much about it when the positions are the same….oh well. I hate the 1-5 or PG, SG, SF, PF, C classifications anyways, most teams only really have 3 positions – big man, wing, PG…

by Missing Barry on Oct 13, 2009 8:30 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think you overestimate the number of teams with PG. I would argue a scoring guard is more likely. A quality center and/or pg is what gives a team separation from the pack.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Oct 13, 2009 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eh, how much distributing/scoring they do doesn’t really change the fact that there’s a notable difference between wings and PG’s. PG’s are the primary ballhandlers who start the offense – it’s still a different role than a wing even if they distribute like a wing…

A quality center and/or pg is what gives a team separation from the pack.

I also don’t really buy any one positions being hugely more important than the others. Having their collective group of players do more to win games than the other team is what makes a good team good. Whatever positions are doing the most isn’t particularly relevant, as long as the team is getting the total production it needs…

by Missing Barry on Oct 13, 2009 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Levance Fields and John Brockman were dominant rebounders despite being 6-7 at best

It’s only minimally about pure height. (Shot blocks are a somewhat different story, admittedly.)

Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving

by PaulThomas on Oct 14, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually, MSF is listed as a center on the Cal roster. Apparently his size enables him to be classified as a center.

Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com

by Avinash on Oct 13, 2009 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, NOW I’m convinced he’s going to be a legit center!

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Oct 13, 2009 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He doesn’t really have center height, but he sure has center weight…coming into the season at 280-300 lb, he’ll be pretty formidable down in the paint in a way Boykin isn’t. The only 300 lb power forward I know off the top is end-of-his-career Shawn Kemp.

I do agree that Boykin/Kamp will probably take up most of the big minutes, but I’m intrigued if the junior can play better than Wilkes…

Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com

by Avinash on Oct 13, 2009 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don’t know about ‘better’; frankly, I’m not even sure you can compare Wilkes to MSF. Totally different players. Jordan always seemed rather miscast as a center anyway — he seemed more comfortable taking jumpshots like his older brother.

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Oct 13, 2009 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wasn’t Jordan a pretty explosive player in high school (hence the 4 star rating) but blew out his knees?

The most disappointing thing about him leaving is that about halfway through the Pac-10 season he figured out his role after 4 years in the program and became more than just a big body on the court. He was an asset the second half of the year.

All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!

by rollonubears on Oct 13, 2009 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I think he would’ve had a pretty good year had he decided to come back, as he was just starting to get (and earn) major minutes.

His knees always limited him, but I just never felt like Jordan was comfortable banging down low. He had a nice jump shot, and could pass well, but I think he took a long time growing into his body and being comfortable with what he could do.

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Oct 13, 2009 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, he always seemed awkward with his body.

All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!

by rollonubears on Oct 13, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Really? I did a breakdown of the +/-s last season; the Bears became considerably WORSE almost everytime Wilkes was on the floor, i.e. they were outscored when Jordan played and the converse was true when he wasn’t.

Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com

by Avinash on Oct 13, 2009 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wilkes definitely made strides but contrast that with the Kamp effect. If I recall, his +/- was very good, right? Maybe I’m mistaking him for someone else.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Oct 13, 2009 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Run those stats starting from the first USC game Game log For the first part of the season he was basically just a big body, but starting with the first USC game you could see him visibly putting things together and playing to his potential.

I remember being most impressed with him during the 2nd USC game. He put up a 6-5-5, but I remember it felt like he had 10+ assists.

All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!

by rollonubears on Oct 13, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He doesn’t really have center height

Yes, yes he does. 6’8 is not particularly small for a college C. Again I want to emphasize that this is not the NBA, 7’0’ers are rare. Teams are more likely to have a 6’8 C than a 7’0 C.

by Missing Barry on Oct 13, 2009 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’m sorry, I just don’t buy that he has center height, even at the college level. However, he does have the weight as noted above and perhaps he has enough length. That said, in the end, the point already made is correct, you don’t need prototypical players one through five.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Oct 13, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

True, there are aspects that leaves out. First, how close to 6’8 is he really? Maybe he’s really not as tall as other guys listed at 6’8. Also, like you noted, length matters. Standing reach is more important than just simple height, and I have no clue if he’s long or not. Assuming he’s a normal 6’8, though, that’s not overly short for a college center. Do you know how many 7’0’ers there are currently in the Pac-10? 2. Max Zhang and some Russian dude on ASU.

by Missing Barry on Oct 13, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok, I can’t count apparently. There are 4 seven footers. There are 24 total players listed at C for the other 9 Pac-10 teams. 7 of them are 6’9 or shorter (1 is 6’7, 5 are 6’8, 1 is 6’9). As I noted, only 3 of those are 7’0 or taller (not counting Max this time). 6’10 is probably the median, but 6’8 isn’t that short.

by Missing Barry on Oct 13, 2009 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think the standard in college is about 6’10. 6’8 is doable, but pushing it.

All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!

by rollonubears on Oct 13, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

6’8 is doable in the NBA. It’s hardly pushing it in college. It might be on the smaller end of the spectrum, sure, but it’s not even unusually small or anything. As we noted, I have no idea if he has the length to make up for being 6’8, but he definitely has the bulk, so it’s not like sending…Jamal Boykin out there at C.

by Missing Barry on Oct 13, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Name a 6’8 NBA center. 6’8 is a high school center.

All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!

by rollonubears on Oct 13, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Glen Davis? Jason Maxiell? Adonal Foyle? 6’8 is a big high school center for most teams…

by Missing Barry on Oct 13, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Glen Davis is a 4
Jason Maxiell is a 4
Adonal Foyle is 6’10.

All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!

by rollonubears on Oct 13, 2009 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, I see, you like to classify them as 4’s. And they do play PF. They also play C. (Funny how players can play both those positions because they’re essentially the same…goes back to my 5 positions is a stupid classification argument). Foyle is about as close to 6’10 as Jerome Randle is to 5’10.

by Missing Barry on Oct 13, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah I’m starting to thing I should have gone to a bigs/slashers-shooters/points description rather than go position-by-position.

Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com

by Avinash on Oct 13, 2009 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

*think

Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com

by Avinash on Oct 13, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why do you have Jorge as a 2?

All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!

by rollonubears on Oct 13, 2009 9:21 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Probably because he can’t handle/distribute like a 1?

by Missing Barry on Oct 13, 2009 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I understand that, but he primarily plays point.

All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!

by rollonubears on Oct 13, 2009 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He’s really more of a pure guard, but he spends most of his time playing at the 2 spot.

Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com

by Avinash on Oct 13, 2009 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, the plan last year was to ease Jorge into the lineup at the 2 spot, to avoid overwhelming him with PG duties. As it became painfully obvious that Nikola wasn’t going to cut it as the backup PG, Jorge started shifting over to ball-handling duties. If Nikola improves and/or Brandon Smith appears up to the task, we’ll see more Jorge off the ball, but otherwise, he’s probably still our second-best option at PG.

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Oct 13, 2009 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My point exactly.

Jorge is in no man’s land for a position. He can guard anyone 6’6 and under, and he has no discernible offensive skills whatsoever, so it is hard to put him at any one spot. I would put him as both a 1 and a 2, but if I had to choose I would go with 1.

All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!

by rollonubears on Oct 13, 2009 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’m not sure about this. Yes, G plays minutes at the 1, but Randle spends so much time on the floor that it’s hard to classify him as our primary ball handler. He spends far more time off the ball spelling our slashers.

Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com

by Avinash on Oct 13, 2009 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah I agree with this. He’s usually a wing without the responsibilities of a PG offensively.

by Missing Barry on Oct 13, 2009 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jorge is a super backup. But I think considering him just a 2 is a bit short sighted. He is the first guy off the bench when a guard replacement is needed, be it Randle or PChris.

All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!

by rollonubears on Oct 13, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He absolutely has offensive skills

His jumpshot was fine for a freshman, and he’s an excellent rebounder for a guard at the offensive end.

Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving

by PaulThomas on Oct 14, 2009 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Man I am excited for basketball season. Enough of this football crap.

All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!

by rollonubears on Oct 13, 2009 10:33 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Blasphemy!

The streak to El Paso starts in 5 days!!!!

I hear El Paso is beautiful in December....

by CruzinBears on Oct 13, 2009 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would much rather finish 4th or 5th. Key thing is, which would be the easiest matchup? Mtn West champ? Big East #2/Random Big12/ND? Or, middling ACC team?

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Oct 13, 2009 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Meh...

I’ve never been to El Paso, so for strictly selfish personal reasons I’d like the Bears to finish 3rd in the conf.

Of and to fix that whole perception thing, while giving our players/coaches the best bowl possible, even if it is in el stinko Texas

I hear El Paso is beautiful in December....

by CruzinBears on Oct 13, 2009 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why would you want to change "never having been to El Paso"?

Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving

by PaulThomas on Oct 14, 2009 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Zhang
The intriguing component is Max. He had a dominating University Games performance, routinely putting up double doubles as if he were the Chinese Dwight Howard.

Actually, I thought of Max as more of a Szechuan Shaq.

Praise be to Tedford!

by Ohio Bear on Oct 13, 2009 12:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I am hoping for big things out of Max this year. My goal is for him to play in every game and get at least 7 MPG, while actually contributing.

Also, I want more giant Max heads.

All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!

by rollonubears on Oct 13, 2009 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

7 miles per gallon is terrible? Are China’s fuel economy standards that low?

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Oct 13, 2009 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Preparing your dry wit for the BN interview?

All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!

by rollonubears on Oct 13, 2009 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Last year was pretty much a 7 man rotation:

Guards: Christopher, Randle, Theo and Jorge

Bigs: Kamp, Boykins, Wilkes

So, the question is who of our returning non-impact players and new recruits are going to be able to play impact minutes (say, 10 mpg?) Unless Amoki/Seely really improved over the break or Brandon Smith is a real hot shot and quick learner I doubt there will be any real change in the guard rotation. When you have seniors used to playing big minutes and Jorge as the super-sub there just aren’t many minutes left for anybody else.

I’m excited to see what our bigs can do.

The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS

by norcalnick on Oct 13, 2009 7:09 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Good thoughts. A lot will depend on Amoke/Seeley’s development—having a deep lineup can do big dividends for us when we get into conference play, going too thin can stretch our best players to their limits, and can fatigue them for future games. I got that feeling with Cal last season.

Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com

by Avinash on Oct 13, 2009 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seeley needs minutes or he's going to transfer

You could sort of tell that from a few comments that were made toward the end of last season.

He’s a pretty key piece for the 2010-11 team, so Monty would be wise to give him an enlarged role this season.

Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving

by PaulThomas on Oct 14, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah he should get more this season, probably needed a year to integrate in.

Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com

by Avinash on Oct 14, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hopefully he’ll stick it out. I’ve read quotes from both Christopher and Randall that he’s been the most improved guy on the team over the course of summer workouts.

Still the loving, adoptive father of Hector Sanchez. And who doesn't love switch-hitting catchers with power and patience?

by tedfordfan on Oct 15, 2009 5:25 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’m going to say that the key to the season is Brandon Smith. If he can give us 15 quality minutes per game as a backup PG, we’ll go places. That allows Randal to get some rest and Jorge to play on the wing, where he’s much better suited to play. In fact, in a weird way, Jorge NOT getting as much PT might mean very good things – primarily because Smith and Seeley emerged, who each have more defined positions and skill sets. I like Jorge, but he’s an anomalous player that makes fitting the pieces around him more difficult.

Regarding our posts, I don’t know that they’ll be as integral to the success of the team, because we’re so perimeter oriented. In fact, having smaller, more mobile posts might actually be an advantage given the amount of perimeter shooting we do because of the frequent long rebounds. Defensively, we’ll be challenged, but thank goodness there are few post threats in college and fewer in the Pac-10 this year. If Sanders-Frieson, Boykin and Kamp can rebound effectively and play decent D on the blocks, we’ll be really good.

Still the loving, adoptive father of Hector Sanchez. And who doesn't love switch-hitting catchers with power and patience?

by tedfordfan on Oct 14, 2009 11:09 AM PDT reply actions   1 recs

Really good points man. Thanks for posting.

Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com

by Avinash on Oct 14, 2009 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

And I would agree with your assessment—the scorers and point men will carry us; anything from the bigs will be a bonus.

Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com

by Avinash on Oct 14, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

The California Sports Website that's .....different from all the rest.

GoldenBlogs' FAQ
Start posting about the Golden Bears »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Cal_2_small
And You Thought Pac-10 Refs Couldn't Get Any Worse
Cms_small
Cal Pro Day
Jones_1_squared_small
Spring Practice Preview

Recent FanPosts

Calflag_small
Golden Recruiting Thread: March 2010
P1_marshawn_small
DBD 3.18.10 Time To Vote For Daily Cal's Best Of Berkeley
Boosmall_small
Cal Baseball Runs Out of Runs, Houston Wins 12-9
Cms_small
"Study" Claims Cal has Zero Graduation Rate in Basketball
Calflag_small
DBD 3.17.10 CGB Market Research--Fill Out A Form!
Small
Will Cal beat Duke?
Small
RemorsefulBruinBabe Enters The Ring.  Again.
800px-ucmp_triceratops_right_small
DBD 3.16.10 You ever seen a grown man naked?
Small
Cal Basketball Tourney Viewing Parties
1262541127_small
Reminder: Join the CGB Tournament Pick'em Challenge and Fantasy Baseball League!

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

SPONSORS

SBNation.com Recent Stories

Kansas State forward Jamar Samuels, right, is congratulated by teammate Curtis Kelly, left, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Big 12 tournament Thursday, March 11, 2010, in Kansas City, Mo. Kansas State defeated Oklahoma State 83-64.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Kansas State Dominates From Beginning To End, Gets BYU In Second Round

Saint Mary's center Omar Samhan (50) grabs a rebound as Hawaii center Paul Campbell looks on in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Dec. 25, 2009, at the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu. Saint Mary's defeated Hawaii 84-75. (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner)

Samhan's 29 Points Leads St. Mary's In First Round Win Over Richmond, 80-71

Baylor coach Scott Drew celebrates a basket late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas at the Big 12 tournament Thursday, March 11, 2010, in Kansas City, Mo. Baylor defeated Texas 86-67. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Baylor Pulls Away From Sam Houston State Late For 68-59 Win

More from SBNation.com >


Marshawnthusiasts!

Bear_small ragnarok

Script_cal_small HydroTech

Cal_football_2005_09_16_roll_07_012_small CBKWit

P1_marshawn_small TwistNHook

1262541127_small yellow fever

Jahvidtician

Giorgiorope_small Berkelium97

Calflag_small Avinash

Member Of The Follettariat

Bear__small norcalnick

Official Partner of CBS Sports