CGB Hall of Fame: Nominations Thread
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 3:00 AM PDT
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"Congrats Kat!"
As graduation ceremonies concluded and another set of Cal athletes moved on from college life to the real world, we here at CGB have been looking for ways to honor their commitment to our school. Our student athletes work hard to do good work both in the classroom and in the arena, they
provide us with plenty of pleasure (and occasional pain), but their efforts are awesome and they deserve all the dap we can give them.
Henceforth...we announce the beginning of the CGB Hall of Fame, our Internet shrine to your favorite California athletes and coaches!
Just like Meme Madness (except this is totally about Cal sports), we will conduct a tournament out of 32/64 of Cal's greatest into our inaugural CGB Hall of Fame Class of 2009. It'll be running through mid-August, with the winners being announced the week before the 2009 season kicks off. And the matchups...man. Aaron Rodgers vs. Jason Kidd? Marshawn Lynch vs. Natalie Coughlin? Leon Powe vs. Deltha O'Neal? The possibilities are endless!
So in the comments section, create your nominations and be sure to explain why. Rules for the contest are after the jump!
Here are the guidelines to follow.
1) In terms of athletes, seniors or past graduates only. Juniors like Jerome Randle and Jahvid Best will all get their turns in the future. In terms of coaches, five year cut-off. Tedford and Clark are eligible because of their longevity; Joanne Boyle still needs another year.
2) Nominations only for people you've watched in person. We decided that all-time would just be a replication of Cal's Athletic Hall of Fame, and a little too museum-ish. We want this to be about how the readers feel about particular athletes, and how their experiences with them shaped their Cal fandom.
3) Obviously, football (and basketball) players will dominate this section, but we'd like to have at least a few athletes from the other sports. We'd love to highlight Cal athletes who don't get much of the limelight when they're playing here.
4) The bracket will be somewhere in the 32-64 range, depending on the number of athletes who get nominated. It'll pretty much follow the Meme Madness format, with either several posts on one or two days a week or one humongous post per day with multiple polls.
5) We'll incorporate those comments in our writeups for the bracket matchups. If a player has already been mentioned, rec it again and reply to that comment thread and add your thoughts on that athlete, and we'll be sure to feature the best thoughts throughout.
You can nominate multiple athletes, but you must use different posts. For why, see (6).
6) We will determine seeding by the number of recs a player gets in his nomination post in this thread. The more recs an athlete gets in the comments, the higher his seed will be. So if Nate Longshore gets 7 recs and no one else gets higher, he'll get the #1 overall seed. If there are ties in the number of recs, we'll probably just go in alphabetical order, so rec your favorite athletes vicariously!
If we have less than 64 athletes, they'll all qualify for the tourney and we'll have some bye system in place. If we have more, we'll eliminate athletes with zero recs in some sort of fashion.
7) We will induct at least the Final Four (so we won't go all the way until the end, we conclude manners at the Elite 8). If you guys think the field should be expanded--a wild card pick among the losing four, two wild card picks, the Elite Eight all get inducted), let us know in the poll.
8) We're still coming up with a place to honor them in our cluttered site. If anyone has creative ideas shoot them off in the comments or drop us a line at goldenblogs at gmail dot com.
9) Twist is not eligible for nomination. We're not sure if he can bench the bar.
Nominations will be accepted until Friday afternoon at noon PST, at which point we'll set the brackets and start organzing the tourney for next week! Let the fun begin!
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Comments
In no particular order...
1. Jeff Tedford: He has done an unbelievable job. If you followed Cal football in the 1980s and 1990s through the Holmoecaust, you know what I’m talking about. Perhaps something I read a long time ago on a Michigan blog said it best (and I’m paraphrasing): before Tedford, Cal was the Indiana of the Pac-10 in football.
2. Tony Gonzalez: He was a standout on some bad football teams and he was a great basketball player. In his last seasons (1996 football 1996-97 basketball), he was on a bowl team and an NCAA tournament team.
3. Jack Clark: No explanation needed.
4. Michelle Granger: Perhaps still the greatest Cal softball pitcher of all time. (Played for Cal 1989-92.) She was also a 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist.
5. Aaron Rodgers: The best Cal quarterback I have ever seen. Only 2 seasons, but I can’t leave him off my nomination list.
6. Natalie Coughlin: One of the greatest of all time and an Olympic hero.
7. Matt Biondi: See Coughlin, Natalie.
8. Kevin Moen/Richard Rodgers/Dwight Garner/Mariet Ford: If you can get into an HOF for one play, this would be The Play.
9. Bob Milano: As the years go by, I appreciate more and more how good a baseball coach he was for the Cal program. 3 College World Series appearances.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
by Ohio Bear on Jun 1, 2009 5:33 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Nomination phail!
Flagging myself for—
(1) # 8 above: I didn’t see any of those players, or The Play, in person; and
(2) not using a separate post for each nominee. Didn’t see that there. Sorry.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
Myself (this might take a while, I have a lot of nominations)
by LeonPowe on Jun 1, 2009 7:30 AM PDT reply actions 6 recs
Jerrott Willard – the best linebacker I’ve ever seen. Could do it all – go sideline to sideline, get to the quarterback, drop back in coverage. And a HELL of an intimidator. (I think one TV commentator said he “looked like a caged bear.”
by LeonPowe on Jun 1, 2009 7:31 AM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Lamond Murray – the best scorer I’ve ever seen at Cal – and I saw Ed Gray, Sean Lampley and ‘Reef play. Effortless, smooth jump shots, making 3s from all over, Mid range. Also had to play out of position at power forward due to Al Grigsby’s (multiple) injuries. BUttery smooth left handed jumper. Led the Pac-10 in scoring (and maybe rebounding) one year. Of course, wasn’t Pac 10 Player of the year due to another Cal player (um, Jason Kidd)
by LeonPowe on Jun 1, 2009 7:33 AM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Milica Vuckadinovic
I don’t expect her to win . .. but she should. A 6’1" point guard from 1991-1993, Cal’s only woman’s basketball All-American until recently – she was like Lady Magic, before there started being all these tall guards in woman’s hoops. With her and Jason Kidd we had the best point guards in America at Cal. Here’s a link to her Cal Hall of Fame page - but she was really really really good.
by LeonPowe on Jun 1, 2009 7:40 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Russell White
Superman. One of the 3 best running backs (some would argue the best ever) to play at Cal. Finished in the top 5 in Heisman as a junior. Carried Cal to a #7 National ranking at the end of the 1991 season. Hurdled a Purdue player well before anyone else did it.
by LeonPowe on Jun 1, 2009 7:59 AM PDT up reply actions 8 recs
I am rec’ing every single one of your comments in this post.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
Tony Gonzalez.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:53 AM PDT reply actions 11 recs
Nnamdi Asomugha.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:54 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs
I think he’s had a great career in the NFL, but this is about what these guys did in college, right? What did he do at Cal that made him stand out? I frankly only remember a couple highlights, and when I went to look up his college stats, they weren’t that impressive. Not the most impactful player at his position like a Deltha or a Daymeon Hughes.
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 1, 2009 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions
I think it’s about both what the guys did in college and in the pros. Is Cal really not going to induct Asomugha into their hall of fame just because he wasn’t an All-American? Hell no. He’s one of the top corners, if not the top corner in the NFL right now and gives back to the community.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
Aaron Rodgers.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:54 AM PDT reply actions 11 recs
JJ Arrington.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:54 AM PDT reply actions 8 recs
For some reason, I always remember Tightwad Hill’s post about him. That last line always makes me chuckle.
Cal fans were understandably anxious to see what Arrington would do carrying the full workload in 2004. What he did was have the greatest season by any player in the history of Cal football. That’s right. The greatest season ever.
In each of his 12 games, Arrington hit for at least 100 yards – the only back in America to make that claim. Against Air Force in the opener, he scored three times including an 89-yard run that set a Cal record. 3 more scores against NMSU, and then a couple of off games – 108 yards and a TD v Oregon State and 112 in the heartbreak loss to SC. Then J.J. got serious.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 8:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Oops, well, I didn’t see him play at Cal, but I certainly saw him play in the NFL.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:57 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Daymeion Hughes.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:54 AM PDT reply actions 5 recs
He spawned two of my favorite Facebook groups ever
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/search_redirect.php?q=daymeion,hughes&fc=0&gc=0&cl=300&rc=2&rank=1&friends=0&sns=0&sf=r&init=s:quick&cururl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fs.php%3Fq%3Ddaymeion%2Bhughes%26n%3D-1%26k%3D200000010%26sf%3Dr%26init%3Dq%26sid%3Dea491ade7b4d980370802c95f1c02059&is_friend=&sid=ea491ade7b4d980370802c95f1c02059&num_uq=1&id=2213553387&o_type=2&rid=0&ab=X&t=c:name&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroup.php%3Fgid%3D2213553387" target="new">Daymeion Hughes can intercept a North Korean nuclear missile!
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/search_redirect.php?q=daymeion,hughes&fc=0&gc=0&cl=300&rc=2&rank=2&friends=0&sns=0&sf=r&init=s:quick&cururl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fs.php%3Fq%3Ddaymeion%2Bhughes%26n%3D-1%26k%3D200000010%26sf%3Dr%26init%3Dq%26sid%3Dea491ade7b4d980370802c95f1c02059&is_friend=&sid=ea491ade7b4d980370802c95f1c02059&num_uq=1&id=2213419579&o_type=2&rid=0&ab=X&t=c:name&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroup.php%3Fgid%3D2213419579" target="new">2/3 of Earth is covered by water, the rest is covered by Daymeion Hughes.
Hughes had a knack for killer INTs. Hopefully either Syd’Quan and Hagan (or both) will establish that rep again this season.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 8:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Wow, what the hell? Fucking Facebook
The group names were “Daymeion Hughes can intercept a North Korean nuclear missile!” & “2/3 of Earth is covered by water, the rest is covered by Daymeion Hughes.” You can find them pretty easily, funny funny stuff.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Interview with Fred Smoot from the Redskins official message board:
“You joined the Washington Redskins in 2001 and immediately made an impact – leading the team in interceptions for three consecutive seasons. A wise man once said, "Two-thirds of the world is covered by water. The other third is covered by Fred Smoot." How historically accurate is that statement?
Smoot: That is an accurate statement. I made that statement during my junior year in college. I really felt like the world was covered with Fred Smoot. You could find me everywhere – if it wasn’t water, it was me. I still feel that way now; I’m back to that same guy."
I think it’s hilarious he actually said that about himself, especially while he was still in college.
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions
Brandon Mebane.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:54 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Marshawn Lynch
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:54 AM PDT reply actions 13 recs
That Washington game was awesome
You could feel the tension in the stadium, that all our Rose Bowl hopes were about to slip away to some 4-6 team (probably a warning sign of things to come). Then Marshawn entered Beast Mode and would not let us lose. Great great game.
I also have fond memories of him playing second backup to Arrington. Underscores the importance of having two not just capable but dynamic running backs. Forsett struggled in his backup role to Marshawn, Vereen did the same with Best. There was no real drop off with Marshawn though. 8.8 yards per carry, 8 touchdowns on only 71 carries.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 8:30 AM PDT up reply actions
I don’t think Forsett and/or Vereen are/were struggling behind the starters. 2nd string backs usually get their carries against the defense late in the game when they’re most tired.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
Yeah, but Tedford generally rotated Forsett and Vereen into games more often, usually sometime in the second quarter/late in the first. Based on their YPC, their averages dropped a bit (Marshawn never had that problem).
Forsett had a really good 2005, but his numbers dipped a bit in 2006. I recall being worried going into 2007 about how well Forsett could produce.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Leon Powe.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:55 AM PDT reply actions 12 recs
Zack Follett.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:55 AM PDT reply actions 7 recs
I’ve got nothing but love for the Pain Train. But in compiling a Hall of Fame list, he doesn’t rank near the top. He struck me as a very one-dimensional linebacker, not nearly the complete package as, say, Willard or Ortega or Nickerson or, for that matter, Mohammed. Now, that one dimension Zack has in getting after the quarterback is special, and I wouldn’t put it past him finding a niche in the NFL. He’s just not at the top of my list.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 1, 2009 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Alex Mack.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:55 AM PDT reply actions 10 recs
Lavelle Hawkins.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:56 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Hawk was a solid player in 2007
Made some pretty great catches. Might not have been as polished as his counterparts, but he was involved in some big time plays all season. Too bad “The Hawk” never caught on.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 8:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Craig Stevens.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:56 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Best blocking tight end I’ve ever seen wear the Blue and Gold.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 1, 2009 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Desean Jackson.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:56 AM PDT reply actions 9 recs
Was Desean the most talented recruit to ever suit up on offense for Cal football? Feels like a tossup between him and Marshawn.
Academic nonsense aside, dude came to Cal to play ball. He had some of the best cuts and routes I’ve ever seen a receiver run (which makes him so potent in the NFL). The breakaway speed and the punt returns speak for themselves. He could change the nature of a game on one play, and those type of players are a rarity (although we’ve had two now in the past few years in Best and Jackson, amazing that they were once on the field at the same time).
Cal didn’t have a great defense in 2006 (and of course not in 2007), but Desean’s skills help carry an offense to the peak of their game before injuries and depth issues took their toll.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Russell White was being talked about as one of the greatest high school players of all time – nevermind running back or from California. He and Jason Kidd are still the best recruits we’ve ever had at Cal.
Is there a highlights of him at Cal?
Oh sweet Jesus, this is hot.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions
2:12 of the second video. We need to run that play.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
3:46 as well.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
2:12
Yup, I can see it as Riley-Best-Ross-Riley-Boateng. That would be a guaranteed TD.
by Tony Macaroni on Jun 1, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Was Desean the most talented recruit to ever suit up on offense for Cal football? Feels like a tossup between him and Marshawn.
I’ve never seen him play, but the quote I’ve heard about Joe Kapp was that he was talented enough to play all 22 positions on the field. To me, that’s just crazy.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
I’ll never forget Tennessee and that moment alone keeps him on my list. Right or wrong, I still blame him for the chemistry issues in 2007 and I will never forgive him for sitting out Big Game when he was 85%. But, he put in an incredible 2006 and his overall body of work merits nomination.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
Thank you. Exactly how I feel about him. He is the reason we don’t have names on the back of our jerseys anymore.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
It may not be factual, but its something I’ve heard. And it makes sense.
I really don’t like Desean anymore. I loved him when the team was winning and he was an instrumental part of that. But it seemed as soon as the team started losing he went into “Fuck it, I’ma be in the NFL next year so no point hurting myself or really giving any effort whatsoever.”
I don’t understand a lot of CGB’s remaining infatuation with him.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Too many issues and subissues related to Desean and Tedford to list here. Either you liked his performance and impact or you don’t. No need to get into the weeds.
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 1, 2009 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Really? Even I wasn’t sure it was true. I had just heard it. Sounded plausible.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I actually find it really hard to believe that some people really have no idea why we removed the names off of the jerseys (Not saying you’re one of these people). But people seem to think that we’re doing it to save money or something, when really it’s because of one player. And it’s not hard to guess the identity of that player.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
I just presumed it was true. I never put much though into it because I presume it was about Mesean. Most people blame Longshore for 2007. It was partly his fault but I put a lot of the blame on Desean.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions
You mean it’s not Echemandu?
I bet the team name-sewer-onner-person I’d be like “Echemen…Echaman….Eshem—FUCK”
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 1, 2009 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Robert Jordan.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:56 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Not on the first go-around, I can’t convince myself that he’s one of the top 5-8 of all time.
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 1, 2009 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Ryan O’Callaghan.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:56 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Matt Giordano.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:57 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Chase Lyman.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:58 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d for being a holy cross man.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
Lyman was a nice guy, but maybe not HOF worthy.
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 1, 2009 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh I never said he was. Though you should rec people so we can get matchups going.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
I am, just not rec’ing him.
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 1, 2009 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions
Desmond Bishop.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:58 AM PDT reply actions 5 recs
Geoff MacArthur.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 7:58 AM PDT reply actions 10 recs
Hydro, great nominations…but maybe you can elaborate on why?
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 8:00 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm still wondering
How much of a difference MacArthur would have made if he was on the field against Texas Tech. Amazing how much we had to rely on Robert Jordan and Makonnen during the Holiday Bowl.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 8:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Having Lyman would have been nice, as well…
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions
I remember being blown away by his improvement toward the end of his career. The guy caught nearly everything thrown in his direction regardless of coverage.
by JoshinPortland on Jun 1, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Deltha O’Neil.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 8:01 AM PDT reply actions 11 recs
What some may not know is that Deltha entered the program as a reserve tailback and got pushed into duty as a freshman when the other backs went down with injuries. He had a serious fumbling problem (I heard that Bobby Shaw encouraged him to carry a football around with him as he went to class). He fumbled the opening kickoff in the ‘96 Big Game, setting up the first of what seemed like 20 Stanfurd TD’s. But Holmoe eventually moved him to CB, and he was instantly a force to be reckoned with. He had eight (!) interceptions his senior year, four of which he returned for touchdowns. He was also a rediculous return man, his two return TDs accounting for Cal’s only points in the 1999 Big Game.
by Tony Macaroni on Jun 1, 2009 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions
And in that 1999 Big Game, it should be noted that Stanford was trying to kick AWAY from Deltha, absurdely so to the point where they would kick all but 2 out of bounds….the 2 that he fielded (and maybe the years are making me exagerate that he only fielded the 2) he took all the way, and those of us in the stands would prepare for the kicks with our thumbs and index fingers together in a triangle, cheering “Deltha, Deltha, Deltha”.
I think Deltha may be the most impactful Cal player ever. Ever.
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 1, 2009 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, I remember that. The first game Deltha was on defense, I was confused/worried. “Isn’t he a running back? Why is he playing corner? He’s too short!” But it worked out – one of the few good things Holmoe did.
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
Offense was horrible his senior year, but he seemed to keep the Bears in nearly every game by scoring on either a punt or interception return.
by JoshinPortland on Jun 1, 2009 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Lorenzo Alexander.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Jun 1, 2009 8:03 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Hey guys, before the bulk of the commenters arrive
Please check to make sure there hasn’t already been a nomination for an athlete you’re writing on (Ctrl-F that). We have to tally these up at the end, so this makes it easier on us.
Hydro has listed much of the football players, but go ahead and share the thoughts on your favorites by replying to his posts.
Jason Kidd
On the short list for best point guard of all time.* In basketball history. Pac-10 Rookie of the Year. National Rookie of the Year. Pac-10 POY. Top 3 NBA pick. Top 5 pro assists of all time.
(I put Magic, Isiah, John Stockton and Oscar ahead of him . . .but I’d take Jason over Gary Payton, Bob Cousy, Walt Frazier, Kevin Johnson, Mark Price and Tiny Archibald.)
by LeonPowe on Jun 1, 2009 9:03 AM PDT reply actions 10 recs
How did Kidd's basketball career at Cal end up?
I remember that they upset Duke but lost to some pushover in the first round the next season. Did they overachieve, underachieve, or stay on course?
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Pretty good regular season, but upset loss in 1st round of NCAA to UW-Green Bay.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 1, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Magician on the Court
I’ve watched alot of Cal sports in my time (was at The Play), and I’ve never seen anyone like JKidd. When UCLA was number one in the country and Cal played them at the Oakland Coliseum some SoCal chump sat right in front of me with his hat turned backward talkin’ smack on top of smack about how Cal was gonna’ get dumped. Then the game started.
As I recall, JKidd scored the first 8 points of the game. Not just Cal’s first 8, but had his own 8-0 run. Now, I’m usually very cordial as a fan, but this guys deserved every ounce of what we threw at him. By the middle of the second quarter he was gone as The Bears dismantled the Bruins.
By FAR the most exciting athlete I’ve ever seen.
Kyle Bowler
It took him years to head a winning team, but his impact on the future of the program is vastly underestimated. For one thing, his recruitment was a coup that’s probably unparalleled in in Cal football history. For another, he was a four-year starter who was always willing to sacrifice his body for the Blue and Gold.
by Tony Macaroni on Jun 1, 2009 9:09 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Does anyone think Boller would've been a good QB in the pros
If he wasn’t jerked around in Baltimore and given a chance (good O-line)?
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Nah, but he’s not a bad backup to have. Even in his best season at Cal his completion % wasn’t that far above 50, and it was the only year it was even above 50. Can we nominate his agent for best agent performance in the history of sports?
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions
He nearly knocked off the undefeated Patriots
Came a few yards short though. That would’ve been nice to put on his name.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions
The Holmoecaust featured such bad offensive production that Cal’s gameplans literally relied on the defense to handle scoring. With a decent coach, that same offensive personell managed to improve exponentially.
by Tony Macaroni on Jun 1, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions
True, but the point with Boller is he had such a long way to go just to get to 60% at the college level (even the year he had Tedford there), expecting him to be able to do it at the pro level is wishful thinking.
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, I remember one home game – against either Washington or Washington State – where the offense literally never scored, but we won the game. Defense scored? Yep! Special teams scored? Yep! Offense… not so much.
It was crazy to watch – but hey, a win’s a win.
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
Mike Pawlawski
Quarterback for the 1991 Citrus Bowl Championship teams. Coming out of high school he had no arm strength, no accuracy and was rated by one recruiting service as “the worst recruit in the Pac-10”
Damned if he didn’t will and win his way to becoming the Pac-10 offensive player of the year in 1991. And this was with a UW team that won the National Championship. I really dislike attributing stuff like “intangibles” and “leadership” – because good players usually prove themselves in some measurable way. Mike really didn’t – he had okay stats and won a lot. But it was the little things. Like when he scored on a keeper and knocked out the opposing linebacker. Like when he played special teams to get on the field. Like when he took an offense full of talent (Russ, Brian Treggs, Mike Caldwell, Greg Zomalt, Lindsay Chapman) and molded them in his image – they became a cocky, loud-mouthed, trashtalking offense that WON. Back-to-back Bowl Games (huge for Cal at the time).
In my freshman year after Pawlawski had graduated a lot of fans and students said (not jokingly either) that they should bring Pawlawski back . . .to coach the linebackers.
by LeonPowe on Jun 1, 2009 9:15 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs
People remembered him during the Tedford era?
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
I certainly did. (But Mike was our QB when I was in college.) Until the 2004 team came along, the 1991 team was the best of my Cal fandom. And I think the 1991 team was better overall than the 2006 team.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
I think the 1991 team would have a great chance against the 2004 team, although the 91ers’ penchant for personal fouls probably would do them in. Both teams were Rose Bowl worthy—far better than the teams sent most recently by the likes of WSU and Stanford—but both unfortunately shared the conference with two of the all-time greats: UW 1991 and USC 2004.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 1, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions
The 1991 froim everything I’ve read, heard, and watched, was phenomenol. And, they were able to cap their season with a New Year’s Day demolition of Clemson. That said, the 2004 team was one play away from a national championship game and was led by probably the best quarterback in Cal history, in addition to the running back tandem of Arrington and Lynch.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
^1
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
LoL
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
-1
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
LoL
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
“Do you see what happens Spazzy? Do you see what happens?”
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions
I love Randy Duck
But Hall of Fame? Maybe if we’re giving out points to making time with the ladies.
6’2" shooting guard from Garland, Texas. White kid with major hops. Played between the Kidd and the Abdur-Rahim eras. You know how every team has a player that no one else in the Pac-10 likes? Randy Duck was our hated guy. Loved to try and dunk on people – wasn’t that successful, but could defend, could shoot, could play point guard in a pinch. He ended up playing for a number of years in the UK Pro league. Had big games in upsets of Arizona and UCLA.
Sure, there were never any guidelines laid out as to what constitutes a Hall of Famer. Between blogging, basketball and volleyball, I would argue Rod Benson has done enough to merit at least a nomination. And if I had ultimate power over this Hall of Fame, he would definitely be in.
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions
I think first and foremost success on the field matters. In a rare case, mark Bingham, other things outweigh what the individual did on the field. Benson though was an average, at best, center with hands of stone and an extremeley limited range of skills. That said, I can respect the nomination, I just don’t see how under any circumstance he deserves a place in the pantehon.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
Just trying to create match-ups at this stage. Maybe he can pull an upset or 2 and make things interesting? Might as well see.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
2 recs is probably going to put him in.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, seeing as how the voters weren’t given guidelines for voting, I think they’re all free to make their own decision and interpretation. As a voter, I plan on voting for Rod Benson! (Unless he’s matched up against Kidd or Gonzo or something)
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Monty Buckley
Best dunk in Cal history. This is not only on the Stanfurd basketball team – this is on the entire school, all of their alums, all of their future students, dropouts, and Leland Stanfurd Jr. Himself. Also on Condeleeza Rice and Herbert Hoover.
Sweet photo, but why is it the greatest dunk ever?
What exactly did Buckley do? What was the context of the dunk?
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Hey video link fail
It should be about 45 seconds in.
by LeonPowe on Jun 1, 2009 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd for pure sickness
Was Buckley’s Cal career as good as that dunk?
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Nah. He was a great complimentary player. Could really shoot the three and was a decent defender at the 3/4 – but really couldn’t handle the ball, wasn’t a great rebounder at his position (unlike Lamond) and couldn’t really create his own offense. But one of my favorite Cal players of all time – despite getting busted on a gun charge. I used to see him show up at volleyball and women’s basketball and baseball games. He just liked being at Cal.
My Monty Buckley memory
I was watching the 1993 NCAA tourney game vs. Duke at the southside LaVal’s (no longer in existence, I’m told). Place was jam packed; prolly a code violation or 10 that day. Late in the 1st half, Buckley hit a 3 from the left corner that gave us an 18 point lead at one point. I’ll never forget how wild the place went. People jumping on tables, deafening sound, beer flying all over in the excitement.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
Brian Hendrick
4 generally solid years for Cal (3 for Campanelli, 1 for Bozeman). I believe he made All Pac-10 as a freshman and sophomore before injuries kind of sidelined him. Still a very good career and worthy of consideration for HOF.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
by Ohio Bear on Jun 1, 2009 9:31 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Beat Bobby Knight’s Indiana in the NCAA tourney
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 1, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Sean Lampley
4 years at Cal and a Pac-10 POTY. Worthy of consideration.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
by Ohio Bear on Jun 1, 2009 9:31 AM PDT reply actions 6 recs
Jon Zuber
Cal baseball, 1989-92. Key player on the 1992 team that went to the College World Series: he was starting 1B and closer. He also started a key ballgame in a 1991 win against stanfurd that got us into the NCAAs (where we ultimately lost in the regional final at Wichita State). Zub is now the pitching coach for Cal.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
by Ohio Bear on Jun 1, 2009 9:33 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Lance Blankenship was arguably the most talented player of the Milano era. And Jeff Kent went on to have the most accomplished professional career. But Zuber remains my all-time favorite Cal baseball player. He was a multi-talented gamer that did it all, and he just got better and better with each year of his Cal career. He single-handedly kept me going out to Evans Diamond to watch the Bears, even after I had graduated.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 1, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
Joy Biefeld Fawcett
OK, I’m giving a little love to women’s soccer. Joy played at Cal in the late 1980s and was an outstanding player. One of the nation’s best. She later played on Team USA and was on the 1998 team that won the women’s World Cup.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
by Ohio Bear on Jun 1, 2009 9:35 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
For one season, Brandi “sports bra” Chastain played with Joy at Cal. Brandi then transferred to Santa Clara.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 1, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Jemeel Powell
Team’s shutdown cornerback from ‘99-’02. And yes, that was the exact same time Asomugha was on the team.
LaShaun Ward
My friend said we would’ve done better in 2001 if we just threw deep to LaShaun on every offensive play – he eventually would’ve caught one or two a game.
I’ve never seen a player like LaShaun Ward. It perplexes me to this day how he could make such spectacular catches, but fail to catch the most routine balls on a consistent basis. Losing focus for a play is one thing, but he legitimately struggled to make any catch expected of him every single time…but every once in a while came through with an amazing catch.
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Only 1 year at Cal – but what a year! Led the Pac in scoring. Pac-10 Rookie of the Year AND Player of the Year. Unstoppable in the post. Ran up against a very good Iowa State Team with Kelvin Cato (!) in the middle who blocked what seemed like 40 shots in the first round of the NCAAs in Dallas.
by LeonPowe on Jun 1, 2009 9:47 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Rec’d for childhood memories of him playing for the Grizz.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions
It’s sad that he could never get to the playoffs. Just not enough size to be an imposing big in the league. He could score though.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Great talent, but he doesn’t get my vote because he went pro after only one season. (Not that I blame him, though.)
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 1, 2009 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Sean Dawkins
WR 1990-1992. He didn’t have as good an NFL career as I thought he would, but he had 2 very special seasons for Cal (91 and 92). Seemed like all he did was catch TDs. Tough catches, too.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
by Ohio Bear on Jun 1, 2009 9:51 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Along with Mike Caldwell probably the best hands of Cal receiver that I’ve seen since 1991. Had the sweetest catch I’d ever seen (the replay made everyone at Kips go “woooaaah” – when he and Dave Barr worked a pump-and-go route where Dawk used a basketball spin move to escape the corner. Also used to catch these great sideline tip-toe catches. Not great speed but was somehow always open.
Chidi Ahonatu
No idea if that’s spelled right. Very good DE for that ’91 team – had a long NFL career. I remember I got a pack of Cal football cards when I was a kid from the Cal club or something like that and I liked him because of his name.
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 9:52 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Ed Gray
Led the Pac-10 in scoring too . . .and was also Pac-10 player of the year. Dropped an absurd amount of points (48!) against WSU in a game he broke his foot in – and I think he only played like 40 minutes in that game before he broke his foot (first year of the Ben Braun era)
Crapped out of the Pac-10 for being a 6’2" shooting guard who wasn’t a great shooter . .. and for getting caught smoking the herb. but he was among the most pure scorers I’ve seen at Cal (Lamond and Sean Lampley could do other things) – Ed could only score.
by LeonPowe on Jun 1, 2009 9:52 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Hardy Nickerson
I saw him play in the NFL, not at Cal. Not sure if that counts.
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 9:52 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I second the nomination. Watching him lead the band after we won the ’86 Big Game is one of my favorite childhood memories.
by HookNLateral on Jun 1, 2009 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Lindsay Chapman
TD run v. UW in 1991. Most electrifying run I’ve ever seen in person. End of story.
by HookNLateral on Jun 1, 2009 9:58 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
That was one of the great moments of my Cal sports life. Awesome.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
Most electrifying reception: Tie between the flea flicker against Baylor and the Lavelle Hawkins score late against oregon State in 2007.
Most electrifying play: Tie between Desean’s return against Tennessee and the sack to open the game against Oregon in 2006.
Most electrifying moment: Tie between beating USC in 2003 and the seconds before losing against USC in 2004.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
Ashley Walker
One of the greatest players in the history of Cal women’s basketball. In my opinion, she’s in the top 2. (Milica Vukadinovic, nominated above, is the other.)
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
by Ohio Bear on Jun 1, 2009 10:21 AM PDT reply actions 8 recs
I was really impressed with her versatility
Low post game, decent slasher, outside shooter, pretty good passer, rebounder…is there a good NBA equivalent for her?
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions
FLAGGED for idiocy
You clearly have no idea who Ashley Walker is or what’s she’s contributed to Cal basketball.
Way to make an uninspired, uninformed statement! We’re all very proud of you.
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
I think he's referring to the fact that NBA players, even Division III castoffs
Would dominate women’s hoopsters. Which is fair, he probably could’ve phrased it better though. I asked a dumb question anyway.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions
I think you're giving him way too much credit
but it’s good of you to do so.
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
Nah he’s more or less right. It was a comment on women’s basketball. I’ve never watched Ashley Walker play, I’ve heard she was very good for a women’s college basketball player. There’s a reason I haven’t seen her play, though – women’s college basketball is not very high level basketball.
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions
I could have said it in a more diplomatic way, but I also could have responded that a good comparison could be found at your local 8th grade boys CYO game…
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, I'm glad you didn't say that...
…THAT would have been too much.
But you know, you really ought to give women’s basketball a try. I didn’t used to watch it at all. Just didn’t think it was interesting.
But last season, some friends went down to San Jose to watch Cal play Stanfurd in the Pac-10 tournament. Cal got whopped ‘cause the Furd still had Candace Wiggins, but it was cool to watch, and fun to cheer for Cal (and against the ’Furd). Even though watching Wiggins put on a clinic against the Bears was painful, I couldn’t help but be impressed not only by her talent, but the talent of the Bears as well.
This season, someone gave me a ticket to the Cal-Rutgers game. I figure, it’s free, it’s Cal, I’ll go. It was a great game start to finish, much more physical expected women’s basketball to be. Add to that watching Cal beat up on a higher ranked opponent, and it was a great time. I was hooked, and I never looked back. Check out the FanPost I wrote about the game.
I’d say give it a chance the way you would give any Cal sport a chance. Give it a couple games, just to support Cal, to yell Go Bears every 10 seconds, and you’ll get into it. These girls play really really hard, they give it their all, they sacrifice their bodies as much as the men do, and they leave everything on the floor.
The other advantage is that Cal is one of the best teams in the country – you’ve got the opportunity to see the game at a really high level. Plus, if you’re in the area, the tickets are dirt cheap, and there’s never a bad seat in the house. Well, except when they play Stanfurd, that always sells out – yep, a women’s basketball game can sell out Haas Pavilion!
It may take a little time at first – it’s not the same as the men’s game, but it’s a great sport, and cheering for Cal is always a hell of a good time!
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
by BearStage on Jun 1, 2009 6:27 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Just to actually respond to your question – from your description, it sounds like she pretty much does everything offensively. Jamal Mashburn maybe?
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m so tired of women’s college basketball bashers.
We GET it. Men are better at basketball than women. If only that meant we could watch and cheer for the women without being reminded of this important fact every time it’s brought up.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
by norcalnick on Jun 1, 2009 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well I was going to let Bear Stage’s comments end the conversation on a positive note until you decided to chime in.
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Nobody will ever be as good as Barry Larkin to you, will they? Sure, NorCalNick might not be quite as Larkin as you might like, but please, let him live his life with the righteous indignation he loves to peddle!
He has nothing else. Literally nothing. He’s a hobo who rides the rails.
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
I don’t want to be positive. Why do you have to bash them? How does it add to the conversation? Everytime somebody talks about football here nobody has to make a snide comment about how football players are stupid jocks or whatever. It’s so depressing that we can’t enjoy a sport without somebody bringing it down
plus you never actually apologized…you just made another snide statement.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I have on intentions of apologizing, rather, just letting it go. I forgive you for not being Barry Larkin.
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Thomas Decoud
Surprised nobody has mentioned him.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 10:43 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I remember hearing that hit, almost sounded like a gunshot. Awesome.
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
I mean, his fuck up of the coin toss during the Washington game may have been the lowest moment of the 2007 season, but he was a very good player otherwise. And the 3 man block. Dear lord.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
Good gawd, the more stories I get reminded of from the 2007 team, the more I just want to forget that fucking season ever happened.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
Here's the monster hit!
Home vs. UCLA, 2006. Smacks the living daylights out of the defender to spring DeSean for a punt return touchdown. Dude’s still reeling after he gets up, and falls down again. That’s how hard DeCoud crushed him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo9e2Jf7R0o
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
One of the best videos on youtube. The song and the block and the play is perfect.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
I’m voting for him solely based on that play.
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Jeremy Newberry
He was the original Alex Mack….the 6’5, 315lb center of an unheralded Bears team from 1995-1998, was drafted in the 2nd round by the 49ers, and is still in the NFL.
He doesn’t get much props because the team sucked, but he was rock solid on that offensive line.
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 1, 2009 11:05 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Jeff Tedford
59-30 Overall
5-1 Bowl Games
6-1 Against Stanfurd
1 Co-Conference Championship
Pac-10 COY
SAHPC
Hope
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
by BeastMode on Jun 1, 2009 11:09 AM PDT reply actions 8 recs
Greatest coach in Cal history.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Just acknowledge that his Cal history only goes back a few years, which is just a few years less than most of us, but nonetheless is limited primarily to the Tedford era. Having said that, this Hall of Fame is about players and coaches that we’ve seen, and few of us saw Pappy coach.
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 1, 2009 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions
The argument is that he is best ever, which he isn’t. He is the best of this era. And, again, I still put Pappy 3rd.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
I’m curious as to your logic. Their winning % is about the same, but Pappy’s teams won three conference championships…
I think it is far tougher to win today than it was in Pappy’s time during WW2. Also take into account fewer teams and easier recruiting, the job is much tougher now. What Tedford has done, reviiving this program, is a greater acheivement, in my mind. I totally understand disagreement, particularly the argument that tedford has yet to lead Cal to a Rose Bowl.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
That’s my argument. Also, I had never heard of Andy Smith. I had heard of Pappy though.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I’ll rec him if you make one of those Obama hope posters with Tedford’s picture
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 1, 2009 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions
Also:
Broke the losing streak in Eugene.
Broke the losing streak in Pullman.
Broke the streak against Washington.
Commited to Cal when few others would.
Stayed with Cal far longer than any of us thought he would.
Turned Memorial Stadium into a homefield advantage.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
Natalie Coughlin
11 Olympic Medals
3 Olympic Gold medals
Holds numerous US records and set numeroud world records
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
by BeastMode on Jun 1, 2009 11:12 AM PDT reply actions 9 recs
She’s a certain selection
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 1, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Ben Braun
219-152
5 NCAA Appearances
1 Sweet 16
1 NIT
Good recruiter
Cleaned up the program
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
by BeastMode on Jun 1, 2009 11:17 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
flagged for bringing out the skeletons in our closet
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 1, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
flagged
“skeletons in our closet” = Bozeman.
Braun gets love, not flags.
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
I wish we could keep him as a recruiter.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Steve Levy FTW
Heaps and Hinder...come on down!
by carp on Jun 1, 2009 11:18 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
For all the flack Tedford got for not substituting Riley for Longshore, not substituting Levy for Ayoob may have been worse. At least Cal beats Oregon and puts on a better showing against SC in 2005.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
Those are pretty big assumptions given Levy’s small sample size of performances. I definitely know why it took Tedford so long to give up on Ayoob for Levy having seen these two players in practices.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
Did Levy throw a beer bottle at Teford during practice, too?
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 1, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Levy throws the best beer bottle in all the land…
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Is your name because you are an As fan and you miss barry Zito?
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
I’m a Reds fan and I miss Barry Larkin :’(
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Sandy Barbour
Is she eligible? Arguanbly, outside of Tedford, she has had the single biggest and best impact on Cal.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
by BeastMode on Jun 1, 2009 11:29 AM PDT reply actions 5 recs
Damn....
Hmmm, I’m not sure if I want to include ADs, because this is more about on the field stuff. She has been very good though.
Might be a good fanpost though: Who’s been the the best Cal AD?
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Don’t know if he was best Cal AD ever, but I nominated Steve Gladstone below. Was an outstanding crew coach and the AD who hired Tedford.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
Gladstone is okay
Because he’s been a coach.
We might make a Sandy Barbour exception down the road, but she’s not going anywhere, so we’ll have time for that.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Can we waive the 5 year rule for Monty, because he saved the program from the abyss of mediocrity (even if it may only end up being a 2 year flash in the pan)?
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
I would be against this. Its too soon to tell what his impact and legacy will be. Like Jahvid, Monty will get his turn eventually.
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 1, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions
As I said, it may end up being only a 2 year flash in the pan. Monty hasn’t really shown he can recruit that well. He got lucky with Jorge. This may be the best time to vote for him because we have the most perspective on it, in a way. I don’t know if he will be able to sustain last year and the good things that WILL come this winter. But even if it only ends up being 2 years, I think it will be worth it. Just because of the excitement he has brought to a dormant program. Haas is rocking again. Kind of like what Mariucci did.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Uhhh…you want us to nominate him because you think he’s peaked and he won’t look this good again? That isn’t how Hall of Fames work.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions
To be fair, Monty already has the distinction of ditching stanfurd and jumping across the Bay to coach Cal. That prolly sticks in the craw of the furds, no matter what they might say about it. That’s HOF worthy right there! The unexpected run to the NCAA tourney in his 1st season is just the icing on the cake.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
No. If Boyle isn’t eligible (who has done more in a longer timespan), I’m not making an exception for Monty. He’ll get his turn if he sticks around.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Steve Gladstone
Two stints as head coach of the crew team. Two (?) IRA national championships. And he was the athletic director who hired Jeff Tedford.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
by Ohio Bear on Jun 1, 2009 11:37 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
More football players (in no particular order)
Chris Manderino
Doug Brien
Bobby Shaw
Damean Douglas
Joe Igber
Troy Auzenne
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 1, 2009 12:00 PM PDT reply actions
Good stuff
Might want to do separate posts on each, so it’s easier to separate the nominations.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh and explanations of each are great
Follow LeonPowe’s examples, he has some really good ones.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Too busy today, but if nobody else jumps in, then maybe I’ll add more tonight. Go Bears!!
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 1, 2009 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions
I think the idea is to post them individually, so that people can rec the ones that they agree with.
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 1, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I would support Dameane Douglas, but I have an irrational liking to Cal wide receivers who go on to have no pro careers to speak of.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke, Chase Lyman, Burl Toler – all awesome, none hall of fame worthy except in my head.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Iheanyi
had a punt return touch down for the Niners.
Bobby Shaw, Ziv Gottleib and Damien Seimien on your list?
(Seimien may have had the worst hands of any Cal wide receiver. Ever.)
I’m not familiar with the last two, but Bobby Shaw is most definitely awesome. I started watching Cal somewhere around 1994 or 1995 when I was 10, so my memory of the 1990s is a little sketchy at times. I mostly remember pain. Lots and lots of ’furd related pain.
I think I mostly remember Iheanyi because of the crazy name.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Ziv was decidedly not awesome – but he was recruited as a QB and ended up not playing as as wideout except for that crazy year where Barr, McGonigal and someone else all got injured and Ziv had to come in and run QB against WSU (he played QB at Beverly Hills High if I remember) and I think we ran like 8 option plays with him under center (wearing #88)
Damien Seimien was a burner – had serious straight line speed. Too bad his hands were like frying pans.
My favorite Cal hoops lineup (the guys who ended The Streak)
11 – Kevin Johnson
22 – Chris Washington
33 – Eddie Javius
44 – Leonard Taylor
5 – Dave Butler
I still don’t know why Butler didn’t change his # to 55. It’s a toss-up for me between KJ and Jason Kidd as far as the most entertaining player I’ve seen wear the Blue and Gold. But LT was a monster, surpassed as a Cal power forward only by Mr. Powe. Probably could have had a good NBA career if not for a dangerous neck condition.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 1, 2009 12:05 PM PDT reply actions
Kevin Johnson
How can you not love a team that does this?
by LovinBlue on Jun 1, 2009 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
Best player on that team. Glorious day in a packed Kips watching UCLA go down for the first time in my lifetime.
by JoshinPortland on Jun 1, 2009 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Mark Bingham
Rugby Player, Tackled the Stanford Tree, United Flight 93 Hero
by 33SwisherSweet on Jun 1, 2009 12:13 PM PDT reply actions 11 recs
In my opinion, this guy is more worth of induction into a Cal hall of fame than most anyone listed above.
Granted, I haven’t read the criteria you listed above as being requisite for nomination, Mark Bingham was truly a hero.
by 33SwisherSweet on Jun 1, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, we might have to do something special for him.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 1, 2009 12:40 PM PDT reply actions 4 recs
We need helmet stickers!
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Is that the guy from CHiPs?
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 1, 2009 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Not gonna lie, he was pretty dreamy.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Sandy Barbour
Has already facilitated the emergence of a few hall of famers… and will be responsible for a few more;
Has vastly improved our Director’s Cup standings to record levels;
Other good reasons Hydro could think of;
Plus she handled the hippie crisis well and won.
Whoops! This is why some pictures would be helpful people. I scanned the thread but missed her name. Can one of the CGB crew delete this duplicate?
This is why some pictures would be helpful people
Aha. That’s something to keep in mind for the future.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions
HOW DID WE FORGET WILL TA'UFO'OU!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 1:31 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Morgan Beck - No explanation needed
…just kidding… sort of.
Read this issue here:
http://www.filesavr.com/15360161-swoop-summer-09
by danzig on Jun 1, 2009 2:13 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Heh
Danzig, who were the best Cal volleyball players you’ve seen, talentwise?
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Actually, I don’t really know. It’s so hard to keep up with Volleyball even when you’re on campus. Keeping it up with it 2000 miles away is even harder. It only got better since Cal sports got good coverage on the internet and on the blogs.
But among the players that I’ve seen play on TV I’d say Angie Pressy was the most impressive. She’s just a freak…such a small player jumping that high and hitting that hard was just amazing. Morgan was also a great player. Hana has a cannon. Carli is prob the next great Cal player b/c she just has amazing body control… your body is always flying in one direction and you have to set in another all while reading the defense and then directing your own players… she did this as a freshman and took us to the final 4… if that isn’t talent, I don’t know what is.
Chuck Muncie
“Muncie set six school rushing records, including most touchdowns and most yards gained in a single season. He was instrumental in Cal’s NCAA-leading offense which propelled the team to the co-championship of the Pac-8 in 1975, and he appeared for the first time on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Muncie was a strong candidate for the Heisman Trophy and finished second in the voting in 1975 behind Archie Griffin of Ohio State. After Muncie graduated, the New Orleans Saints selected him in the 1st round of the 1976 NFL Draft with the 3rd overall selection”
And he more than anyone else destroyed Stanford in the big game that year:
1975 California 48 Stanford 15
And yes I saw him play in person ;)
by PunchCards4Ever on Jun 1, 2009 2:22 PM PDT reply actions 5 recs
I saw him play, too. He was awesome, and definitely one of the most memorable players from my childhood, sitting in the old family section (SE corner of the bowl). Wesley Walker, too.
by JoshinPortland on Jun 1, 2009 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Mary T Meagher
Broke the 100 and 200 butterfly records – records that would stand for 18 and 19 years, respectively. Won three golds at the LA Olympics.
by ososdeoro on Jun 1, 2009 4:04 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
+1
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
Jocelyn Forest
I’ll let Sports Illustrated say it:
Jocelyn struck out 15 and one-hit Arizona, 2-1. And she didn’t stop for a month straight. In the NCAA regionals she pitched every inning, had a 0.87 ERA, and Cal went 4-0. In the World Series the same thing happened: every inning, 4-0, 0.50 ERA, most outstanding player of the tournament. And again she one-hit Arizona, this time for the national title. It was Cal’s first NCAA women’s championship in any sport. “Winning was just so awesome,” says Jocelyn. “We were unstoppable.”
by ososdeoro on Jun 1, 2009 4:18 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Suzi Babos
Only Cal tennis player to win a national singles title.
by ososdeoro on Jun 1, 2009 4:19 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Sylvie Monnet
Last Cal All-American in Volleyball before Mia Jerkov showed up - 20 years later!!!! Sylvie was awesome and stayed all four years.
by ososdeoro on Jun 1, 2009 4:29 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Camille Leffall
Okay, she was just one of the better players on a really good team, but she had Hall of Fame hair.
by ososdeoro on Jun 1, 2009 4:34 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I can get behind hall fo fame hair!
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Wow, you’re not kidding.
Interesting tidbit – she was the one Mike Tepper kept from being run over:
Mike Tepper and a friend, Cal senior volleyball player Camille Leffall, were crossing Telegraph at Dwight Way about 1:15 a.m. when a Chrysler pulled alongside them.And we all know what happened next.
Now apparently an aspiring singer. Not to mention gorgeous.
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
Oh my lordy
Danzig, you’re our volleyball expert. What do you know about her?
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Ron Rivera
Probably the best player between 1975 and Jerrott Willard, at least. They basically let him play rover as linebacker - he was our ray of light (along with the 82 Big Game) during the years in the wilderness.
by ososdeoro on Jun 1, 2009 4:40 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Regarding number of inductees
How about 8 for the inaugural class and then four every other year? Cal has too great of a history to somehow only pick four in the first year. Take these 5 for example:
Jeff Tedford
Mark Bingham
Natalie Coughlin
Jason Kidd
Joe Roth
Tough leaving any one of them off.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Those 5 plus Marshawn are basically shoe-ins. That would be an awesome inaugural class.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
Then Pain Train then Leon.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
follett?
well, i guess the votes will decide.
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
Who would you have above Follett? Other than maybe Leon.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
Besides Pain Train?
Well to be honest – Jerrott Willard was a better linebacker. Russell White finished in the top 3 of Heisman voting. Steve Bartowski was drafted #1 overall. Sean Lampley, Ed Gray, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Ashley Walker, Devanei Hampton were Pac-10 players of the year. Alex Mack, DJax, Tony G and JJ Arrington were All Americans of some sort.
(I love Follett, but he’s no where near a first ballot Cal hall of famer)
Is this based on skill or legacy? Because I honestly think that the Pain Train will have a greater legacy then a lot of those guys/girls. I mean it brings up an interesting point on what we are actually judging these people on.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
Sadly, you’ll be surprised how quickly people forget about college athletes who don’t have a strong professional career. Ask yourself how many people from the 80s and 90s being nominated you had heard about prior to this blog. Only us hardcore crazies keep the memories of people like Sean Dawkins and Randy Duck alive.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Only us hardcore crazies keep the memories of people like Sean Dawkins and Randy Duck alive.
Leonard Taylor, Ryan Drew, Roy Fisher, Keith Smith, and Billy Dreher FTW!!
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
Hartmut Ortmann
Matt Beeuwsaert
Erik McDonough
Sean Harrell
Oh I’m rolling in crazy now…
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
Wow, if I was going to get flagged for anyone, I thought it would be McDonough.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
I don't even know McDonough
I’m just glad you didn’t nominate Kyle Campenelli. I would’ve asked for the ban hammer.
I’m not that hardcore crazy.
I’m only this hardcore crazy:
Cornell Collier, Castle Redmond, Jason Wilborn, Marty Holly, Anthony Randolph, Sam Sagopolu, and Wolf Barber
And one more basketball: Andre Reyes, FTW!
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
I see your obscurity
And raise you the following:
Anwar McQueen
Ryan Jamison
Rich (what was his last name?!)
Akili Jones
Al Grigsby
KJ Roberts
I rec Anwar for being an extremely nice dude in every interaction I’ve had with him.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
Rich Branham
Also, Brenden Graves who transferred out of Cal to go to Santa Clara . . .despite the fact that at the time he was getting a 4.0 in mech e. (Brenden – you may have wanted playing time – but a Cal engineering degree! you were going to be an Engineer not a basketball player!)
Sometimes it is important to take a step back and realize that Cal has a history before, say, 2003.
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Are you going to write a fancy bracketology post about this too?
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Well currently the vote
Is leaning toward top 4 plus wildcard pick. Norcalnick, you must find support for the Elite 8 cause!
(It is a good point though.)
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m in favor of the Elite 8 for the first induction class.
I realize that we’re voting at the top of the page, but if this argument had been presented in the beginning, I would have voted for 8 this first year, and 4+1 every year after.
Can I make a suggestion then, once the field of 32 or 64 is tabulated, and once the votes are in for the preferred number of inductees, can we then make a vote between 1) 8 now plus whatever the # is every year thereafter, and 2) whatever the # is both this year and every year thereafter?
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 2, 2009 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Seconded.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
I AM THE TYRANT BOY KING! WHAT I SAY GOES!
AND IS AY WE MAKE A VOTE BETWEEN 1)8 NOW PLUS WHATEVER THE # IS EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER, AND 2)WHATEVER THE # IS BOTH THIS YEAR AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER?
SO, SHUT THE FUCK UP, ALL OF YOUZ!
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Overruled. You rule UC Eugene, not CGB. You have forgotten the boundaries of your domain.
There will be a vote.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 2, 2009 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions
There's actually precedent for this
IIRC, the first class for the MLB HOF in Cooperstown featured a much larger class than normal, a whole bunch of players that just had to be included.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
Off the top of my head (I think): Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Cy Young? Ok I’m gonna go look it up…
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
Dang, off by 2:
The first five men elected were Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson, named in 1936.
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
Ryan Anderson. We keep missing some pretty obvious ones.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 6:00 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
I really have this nagging what if about Ryan Anderson and him not leaving. He is doing well in the NBA, and for him it was probably the best decision because he ended up being a first rounder, but I am selfish and I wonder how this team would have turned out with him. Honestly the sky is the limit. Because he was what we were missing last year.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
Cameron Morrah
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
Nate Longshore
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 1, 2009 6:11 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Devon Hardin Just kidding.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
Dominic Maguire and what’s his name Kately.
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't have time to do the research right now (since I'm going to work)
But we’ve won national championships in crew, water polo, gymnastics, golf, rugby and softball. We’ve competed at a high level in women’s tennis, track, swimming and occasionally baseball. We’ve only hit the tip of the iceberg in these sports.
Good point, there’s a ton of places we can go – hell, I just remembered about Matt Biondi, for pete’s sake.
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
If you guys know anyone from those sports, please nominate!
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 1, 2009 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Joe Igber - the best of both worlds.
Joe Igber. My all-time favorite Cal running back. Often overlooked, his name litters the pages of Cal’s record books.
- His 3,124 career rushing yards are the third most in Cal history. Only Russell White and Marshawn Lynch can claim more.
- He was only the third Cal running back to ever surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a single season.
His greatest performance: a 226-yard, one-touchdown performance in the 2002 Big Game, which Cal won 30-7. Not only did he set the record for most rushing yards in the history of the Big Game (which still stands), he helped bring the Axe back to its rightful home after a painful 7-year drought.
These accomplishments alone should be enough to garner him consideration. And while these are all great reasons to appreciate Joe Igber, I’m most impressed with him because his career typified what we strive for Cal to be. You see, Igber somehow managed to balance the workload of a star Pac-10 running back with the workload of becoming a civil engineer.
Now, most people can barely handle one of those challenges. We all know how time consuming and stress inducing engineering majors are – between physics/math/engineering courses, labs, projects, research (if you’re ambitious) – it’s more than enough for most of us. UC Berkeley is one of the best (and toughest) places in the world to study engineering. People come from all over the world to study engineering at Cal, and that reputation is well-deserved, and it was the main reason that Joe Igber decided to come to Cal in the first place.
Also, we’ve all heard about how much time, sacrifice, dedication it takes to play Pac-10 football, let alone be a starter – the practice, the training, and weight rooms, the film, the travel. Add to the that the pressure of being the star running back, and you’ve got yourself a full plate that very few have the patience and focus to handle.
On top of even that – to perform at the level that Joe Igber did, to set records and do things on the field no Golden Bear has ever done, while handling that academic workload – it’s just ridiculous.
Joe Igber is that rare combination, the very best of both of Cal’s worlds – an amazing athlete and an impressive scholar. As such, I nominate him for the CGB Hall of Fame.
(Bonus: follow this link for incredible pictures of Joe Igber from Life magazine)
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
by BearStage on Jun 1, 2009 7:26 PM PDT reply actions 7 recs
IGBER IS A PIMP! REC’D HARD AND PUT AWAY WET!
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Joe Igber and master's in engineering from Cal
Quite simply, Joe Igber enjoys being a student at the University of California. This past spring, he received his degree in civil engineering and he’ll be beginning his master’s in structural engineering this fall.
“When I got here, football was so burdening that it was hard to spend as much studying as I would have liked – and I wasn’t satisfied with a rushed effort. My senior year was the first of the four where I felt comfortable with academics, could study sufficiently and put in big blocks of time several days in a row, where I felt content witht the level that I’m at.
“I don’t really miss football. It was hard to let go of friendships and to miss out on daily interactions. Football has helped me, but its nice not having to struggle to balance football and school.”
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
Through the band, I had an opportunity to chat with Igber once. He was truly a nice guy. And he laughed at my jokes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
And he laughed at my jokes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, he really was a nice guy.
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
I think Igber was just being nice. He could have crushed you with his intellect.
Jahvid Best is so awesome, he makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands!
by dballisloose on Jun 2, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
THESE PHOTOS ARE UNBELIEVABLE!!
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
yeah, I was amazed. They’ve been hiding some gems!
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
If Avinash doesn’t include Joe Igber, I will perosnally drive to wherever LeonPowe lives and punch LeonPowe in the face.
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
I thought the main guy on that team was somebody with a really long last name.
And wow. He was only the third to surpass 1,000 yards!??!?! I learned from the highlight video of 1990 that 2 did it in that year. Have we really had that few 1,000 yard rushers? Because since then we have had 5 guys do it.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
Increases in the # of games per season is a significant factor…
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Ahh true. How many games were there in 1990?
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
We played 12 games in 1990, including the bowl game. We were 7-4-1.
Back then, however, I don’t think the bowl game counted in the “official” stats.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
But it was 11 games most of the time. I still think if there were 11 games it should be enough to get more than three 1,000 yard rushers.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
Small part of the answer: Averaging 100 yards per game is really hard. If the NFL only had 10 games you wouldn’t see many 100 yard rushers. If I weren’t lazy I’d see how many 1,600 hard rushers the NFL has had in the last few years.
Bigger part of your answer: Prior to Tedford, Cal was very rarely any good. The few good times coincided with a stud RB, generally.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
a surprising number, actually...
Just goes to show how different the pro game is, I guess. Not really sure what specific conclusions to draw, though.
2008
Adrian Peterson – 1,760 yds
Michael Turner – 1,699 yds
2007
none
2006:
LaDanian Tomlinson – 1,815 yds
Larry Johnson – 1,789 yds
Frank Gore – 1,695 yds
Tiki Barber – 1,662 yds
2005:
Shaun Alexander – 1,880 yds
Tiki Barber – 1,860 yds
Larry Johnson – 1,750 yds
2004:
Curtis Martin – 1697 yds
Shaun Alexander – 1696 yds
Corey Dillon – 1635 yds (in 15 games!)
2003:
Jamal Lewis – 2066 yds
Ahman Green – 1883 yds
LaDanian Tomlinson – 1645 yds
Deuce McAllister – 1641 yds
2002:
Ricky Williams – 1853 yds
LaDanian Tomlinson – 1683 yds
Priest Holmes – 1615 yds
2001:
none
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
hmm, 19 in 8 years, so about 2 and a half a year. Granted, averaging 100 yards per game is easier when you can rack up yards against the Washingtons and Eastern Washingtons and Washington States (poor Washington!) of the world.
I remember reading a Chronicle article many years back arguing that a 1,000 yard season in the NFL has been watered down because they keep adding games. It used to be that only elite players like Gale Sayers and Jim Brown would get to 1,000, but now Kevan Barlow can do it. The article argued that 1,600 should be the benchmark of an elite back, and I think that holds true – all of the guys on that list are pretty awesome.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Just looked it up
Igber being the third Cal RB to reach 1,000 just didn’t sound right. And it isn’t, though it’s not that much better. Counting bowl games, he was the 7th Cal player to reach 1,000 yards rushing (w/ Russell White doing it 3 times):
1948 Jackie Jensen 1,080
1950 John Olszewski 1,008
1975 Chuck Muncie 1,460
1990 Anthony Wallace 1,002
1990 Russell White 1,000
1991 Russell White 1,177
1992 Russell White 1,069
1993 Lindsey Chapman 1,037
2002 Joe Igber 1,130
If you don’t count the bowl games, Igber would be the 5th player to reach 1,000. (Olszewski and Chapman needed the bowl game to reach 1,000.)
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
Ok, so it was the 3rd-highest rushing total - that's what i meant to say
Thanks for the help!
where’d you find those stats anyway? I was hunting for Cal stats but could barely find anything.
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
From an old media guide. You can also access stats here:
History section of 2008 media guide
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
You’re thinking of Adimchinobe Echemandu. He sat out the 2002 season with an ACL injury.
Well, Igber’s 2002 yardage totals were the third-highest ever at the time (behind Charles Muncie and Russell White) – it’s possible that it was simply the third-highest and not the third ever. If someone knows more, then please clarify, thanks.
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
Kirk Everist
Water polo: played at Cal and is Cal’s current coach. 2 national championships as a Cal player, and 2 national championships as a coach.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
by Ohio Bear on Jun 1, 2009 7:35 PM PDT reply actions 4 recs
The late Pete Cutino
The godfather of Cal water polo. 8 NCAA titles as Cal coach.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
by Ohio Bear on Jun 1, 2009 7:38 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
The late Steve Heaston
Succeeded Cutino as Cal water polo coach. Won 2 national championships. The Big Splash trophy is named in his honor.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
Chris Humbert
One more water polo nominee. 2-time NCAA player of the year. Won 2 national championships. If memory serves, he was on same teams as Kirk Everist.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
by Ohio Bear on Jun 1, 2009 7:43 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Chris Huffins
NCAA champion in the decathlon in the early 1990s. He also went on to become the Cal track & field coach (though that didn’t end well). Huffins also has an Olympic bronze medal in the decathlon.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
it's difficult to have the "must've watched" requirement
Because if you have a Cal Hall of Fame without Pete Newell, then its not a Cal Hall of fame. It just isn’t.
well i think the whole point is for us to reach back into our memories and have some fun with this. Anyone can look in a history book and pick out someone was great, but the whole point is to talk about what you remember about watching this person and how it affected you, and therefore why you think they should be in the CGB Hall of Fame. It gives us an opportunity to reminisce, really dig deep and figure out why this person affected us they way they did.
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
I never saw Pete Newell coach
But I’ve seen his influence on Cal the University and Cal the basketball program. I heard him speak to some boosters about 10 years ago and he was as knowledgable about our program as anyone – despite living in LA and being . . .what 80 years old? I know that Braun and Monty both point to him as being a mentor – as did Lou. (not so sure about Bozeman).
Also, happened to win the National Championship and beat down John Wooden many many times.
If you really want to engage in the “What If” game:
What if Pete Newell had not retired when he did and kept coaching Cal for the next decade or so (or longer). Does Wooden dominate the same way? Newell seemed to have the better of the series before he retired.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
What if... Pete Newell had the powers of Captain Universe?
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
Newell was still at least involved enough in basketball recently that you can make a case we all still felt his influence…
by Missing Barry on Jun 1, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Thought about it, decided to hold off on it for at least this time.
Maybe in future seasons, when the number of current athletes/coaches we identify with closely narrow down.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 2, 2009 12:56 AM PDT up reply actions
Angie Pressey
Took the Cal Volleyball team to the Final Four (right?) also dominated asa 5’8" OUTSIDE HITTER. She had some MAJOR HOPS, like her dad.
by LeonPowe on Jun 1, 2009 8:35 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I don't think I'd vote for him...
but he’s probably too talented to go unmentioned:
Jeff Kent
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
by norcalnick on Jun 1, 2009 8:53 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I hated Jeff Kent
even when he played for my favorite baseball team.
But he had this program when he played for the Giants where for every RBI he hit, he donated $100 US to the Cal Woman’s Sports Program. So that’s a huge positive in his favor.
Random Gilby era players
Dave Barr – very good quarterback. led us to an Alamo Bowl win. Once threw up on the center’s back at midfield.
by LeonPowe on Jun 1, 2009 9:06 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Barr quarterbacked the epic 42-41 win vs. Oregon in 1993 where we came back from 30-0 down. In my opinion, Barr’s injuries in 1993 and 1994 changed the course of both seasons, especially 1993. I think we were 9-1 in 1993 in games that Barr started and 0-3 in the games he was out.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
Reagen Upshaw – one of the best Cal football recruits of the 90s – I think he was the #1 ranked defensive end in the nation. Was amazing on that defense that used to go sack, sack, give up 25 yard pass play, sack, sack, give up 30 yard pass play, sack, sack, give up touchdown.
But it was a lot sacks. He went on to be a decent pro player too – but he was being double teamed every down and still managed to be in the quarterback’s face every single play.
Also that defense is why I’m okay with a not-so-aggressive defense.
Justin Forsett
Top 5 in career rushing yards.
Consistent production as a backup and starter.
Rushed for over 1500 yards as a senior with 15 touchdowns.
One of the few leaders from that 2007 team I have only fond memories of.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
by BeastMode on Jun 2, 2009 1:39 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs
Changed the image
Finally found a photo of a Cal grad I could use. Hope danzig’s happy with Kat Reilly.
Troy Taylor
I can’t believe I didn’t think of him yesterday. He was Cal’s starting QB from 1987 to 1989 and part of 1986. He is still the Cal career leader in passing yards and total offense. He had 6 300-yard games in his Cal career (2nd only to Pat Barnes on the Cal career list; Barnes had 10). T3rd on the Cal career list for TD passes (51), behind Boller (64) and Barnes (54). He holds the Cal record for most yards passing in a Big Game (377 in the 1989 game). Taylor’s career numbers might have been better had he not missed several games in his career due to injury. Taylor is also the current Cal radio analyst alongside Starkey, and he briefly served as QB coach on Holmoe’s staff.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
by Ohio Bear on Jun 2, 2009 5:38 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
So hard to judge. He was a very good player on some pretty bad teams. I think it’s more coincidence than anything else, but Cal got a lot better when Pawlawski took over the year after Taylor graduated. Hall of Famer? No. But definitely a guy worthy of being remembered.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 2, 2009 6:26 AM PDT up reply actions
“He [Tamir] was a 2003-04 Playboy All-America member, a member of Pac-10 All-Freshman team in 2002, and the All-Pac-10 team in 2003, the only player in the conference to earn both First Team Pac-10 All-Academic and All-Pac-10 status in 2003”
Also ESPN National Player of the Week once as a freshman. So whatever. I like throwing out names so we can all remember and reminisce, even if they aren’t necessarily deserving of a spot in the HoF.
by Missing Barry on Jun 2, 2009 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions
My “flag” was tongue in cheek. Goodness knows there are numerous nominees on this thread who are not worthy of an HOF, but are certainly memorable and worth reminiscing about. Amit is one of those. And he also happens to be, for me, one of the most frustrating players I watched during the Braun era: great one game, disappears the next. Or worse, great one game, not so much in the next 3. And it seemed he was always MIA vs. stanfurd.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
Ha I knew you were joking about the flagging, good to hear the explanation behind the joke, though.
by Missing Barry on Jun 2, 2009 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions
A few more Cal hoops players who played in the NBA
Sean “kiwi” Marks (most unlikely 11 year NBA career ever?)
Michael “Yogi” Stewart
Sean Marks, the second best player on the court on a team that lost by 58 in this year’s playoffs. I wish better tidings on him.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 2, 2009 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions
I know Sean
And I watched almost all of his games at Cal. and if he’s your second best player in the 2009 NBA .. . your team isn’t very good.
CP3 should've gotten two MVPs
For carrying that team.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 2, 2009 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Vicky Galindo
One of my favorite Cal women athletes of all time. A great ballplayer, an Olympian, led Cal to a national championship, and deceptively powerful despite her small size. Plus she’s cute as hell, and even more attractive (at least to me), because she’s openly bisexual. But beyond my adolescent crush on her, few position players in Cal history have stronger Hall of Fame credentials than her.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 2, 2009 2:55 PM PDT reply actions 5 recs
I helped her with Calculus
she was in my discussion section for 1A. She dropped the section a few weeks later and I got a C. I had no idea she was on the team until I saw her playing in the College World Series in the spring (I think they were runner up to ucla that year).
Vicky, if you remember me, my contact info is at the bottom of the page.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
Geno Carlisle
Once said " “It may sound cocky, but the only player in Chicago who is better than me is Michael Jordan.”
Led Cal to the 1999 NIT title.
Once led my friend (at the end of that NIT Game) to say “You know, for better or worse, we’ll win or lose with Geno.” He then made a cringing motion and sort of gagged.
Carlisle did make the game winning shot though.
On a sidenote, I hated those script Cal uniforms. I like being Cal in football, but California in basketball. Weird, no?
by LeonPowe on Jun 2, 2009 7:52 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Other than Geno, the other thing I remember from the 1999 NIT run was Michael Gill’s performance in the semifinal vs. Oregon. Dude was en fuego. Made me wonder where that had kind of performance had been all season.
The NIT title notwithstanding, I’ve always considered the 1998-1999 team to be one of Braun’s most underachieving teams.
Marshawnthusiastic Jahvidtician and member of the PRileytariat.
Vinny Strang
Perhaps it is too late to get in on this, but probably my all-time favorite when actual accomplishment is not a criteria (as opposed to attitude/heart/leadership/etc.)
by kencraw on Jun 4, 2009 3:54 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
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Golden Bears Football Schedule
| Fresno St. | Sat 09/03 | W 36 - 21 |
@
Colorado
|
Sat 09/10 | W 36 - 33 |
| Presbyterian | Sat 09/17 | W 63 - 12 |
|
@
Washington
|
Sat 09/24 | L 23 - 31 |
|
@
Oregon
|
Thu 10/06 | L 15 - 43 |
|
USC
|
Thu 10/13 | L 9 - 30 |
|
Utah
|
Sat 10/22 | W 34 - 10 |
|
@
UCLA
|
Sat 10/29 | L 14 - 31 |
|
Washington St.
|
Sat 11/05 | W 30 - 7 |
|
Oregon St.
|
Sat 11/12 | W 23 - 6 |
|
@
Stanford
|
Sat 11/19 | L 28 - 31 |
|
@
Arizona St.
|
Fri 11/25 | W 47 - 38 |
|
@
Texas
|
Wed 12/28 | L 10 - 21 |
Pacific-12 Conference Standings
(updated 1.2.2012 at 11:12 PM PST)
| North | Conf | Overall | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | W | L | |
|
Oregon Ducks
|
8 | 1 | 12 | 2 |
|
Stanford Cardinal
|
8 | 1 | 11 | 2 |
|
Washington Huskies
|
5 | 4 | 7 | 6 |
|
California Golden Bears
|
4 | 5 | 7 | 6 |
|
Oregon St. Beavers
|
3 | 6 | 3 | 9 |
|
Washington St. Cougars
|
2 | 7 | 4 | 8 |
| South | Conf | Overall | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | W | L | |
|
USC Trojans
|
7 | 2 | 10 | 2 |
|
UCLA Bruins
|
5 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
|
Utah Utes
|
4 | 5 | 8 | 5 |
|
Arizona St. Sun Devils
|
4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|
Arizona Wildcats
|
2 | 7 | 4 | 8 |
|
Colorado Buffaloes
|
2 | 7 | 3 | 10 |
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