Golden Nuggets: The Next Level for Jamal and Theo

Theo Robertson has spent much of his career in the shadows of Randle and PC, but his consistency and commitment have earned him much-deserved praise from his coaches and teammates.  NBA scouts have noticed him too...

He knows he's overlooked, but he also knows that in the end, it won't matter. For Robertson, talent isn't measured by how many interviews he gets or the cheers he elicits. His play will be the thing that takes him to next level.

That's why Robertson spends almost eight hours a day in the offseason working on his game. It's why he doesn't concern himself with the number of shots he gets or how many awards he collects.

"My goal was to come here and win and become a better basketball player," Robertson says. "I'll get an opportunity hopefully when my career is over to showcase what I can do, but even then, I don't know how that would change who I am. I'd still be a guy that would come in, and help a team win in whatever capacity they needed me to do that." 

Jamal Boykin firmly believes that his brother Ruben was a catalyst to his success in basketball, as their childhood competitions led him to strive for consistent improvement.  Now a solid player in Italy, Ruben's success has led teams to express interest in Jamal.  

It's eight o'clock in the evening somewhere in Allen Fieldhouse, the historic arena at Kansas, and Ruben is on his feet as Cal takes on the top-ranked Jayhawks. He's processing sights and sounds of a basketball game that's unfolding in front of him -- he flew in from Italy last December to watch the game -- cheering loudly enough that Jamal can hear him over the capacity crowd. His ticket is a portal into the world of his younger brother.

He follows the 6-foot-8 forward with love and loyalty, watching as Jamal racks up 15 points and 15 rebounds.

"That just meant the world," Jamal says. "He's always been my biggest fan."

Because of Ruben, European clubs are fond of him as well.

"Every team that he's played on has shown interest in me," says Jamal. "Because of how great he is as a person, and what he brings to the table, they figure, 'If there's another kid with his genes, then we could take him, too.'" 

After the jump JO gives us an update from practice three, Uncle Ted interviews Tedford, Genyk talks about working with Cal's kickers, Amoke gets suspended indefinitely, and various important writers/figures post their brackets--including Obama who picked against Cal.

Cal Football

• JO gives us an update from spring practice number three as well as an explanation of why his coverage of practice has been lackluster so far.  Practice has focused on the underclassmen so far and Tedford says cornerbacks Steve Williams and Vachel Samuels, defensive linemen Keni Kaufusi and DeAndre Coleman, RB Dasarte Yarnway, and LB Chris Little have all been impressive so far.
• Jeff Genyk talks about how his years of head coaching experience have improved his decision-making abilities.  Tedford says Genyk has a strong background with punters and kickers, which should become evident as practice goes on.  For now, Genyk is working on mental toughness to keep the kickers from becoming too focused on mistakes such as missing a field goal.
• Ted Miller has a two-part interview with Jeff Tedford.  (Part I,  Part II).  Tedford discusses the annual quarterback battle, what went wrong in 2009, the change in defensive philosophy, and which players to watch in spring.

• Amoke has been suspended indefinitely for an undisclosed violation of team rules.  Dealing with Louisville's twin towers of Samardo Samuels and Terrence Jennings just become much more intimidating...
• A look at the 10 best NCAA tournament moments on Bay Area soil features Cal games from 1958, 1959, and 1960.
• Pat Forde looks at best-case/worst-case for NCAA tourney teams.  Cal's best case has them advancing to the Elite Eight and worst case has them ending the season with a disappointing loss, not unlike football, leading Cal fans to ponder what could have been.
• Adam Duritz sent Faraudo an email about seeding, tough losses, and more.
• Gregg Doyel of CBSSports has the top storylines of the South bracket, several of them featuring Cal.
• Faraudo posts his bracket.  He has Cal defeating Louisville but losing to Duke.  Ultimately he has Kentucky defeating Ohio St for the championship.  President Obama picks a Louisville win over Cal in his bracket.