Really tough way for the guys to go out that way. Cold shooting against a well-coached team w/ superior size and an officiating bias = S.O.L. What a run, though. Quite honestly, they exceeded my expectations. Even though some publications called for us to win the Pac-10, they always felt like underdogs to me.

Randle: From out of control TO machine, to Pac-10 POY. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better shooter in a Cal uniform, especially from WTF range. Huge heart – he absolutely carried us at times this year. Not Monty’s type of PG, but they obviously figured out something that worked.

PC: Someone who really would have benefited from 4 years under Monty. Had all the tools to be a dominant player, yet only showed them occasionally. Almost too nice of a guy to be an elite-level athlete. This year felt more like he was starting to figure things out and would just kill it next year.

Theo: Mr. Consistency. My absolute favorite guy because he used hard work to make the most of modest athletic gifts. I always wanted to see a game where he said “F this. I’m the best player on this team, I’m bombin’.” I really appreciated his team-first approach on both ends. If he doesn’t hold his own on the defensive glass this year, we’re in the NIT.

Jamal: He always had passion, but the game finally slowed down for him this year. Last year, he had the footwork and moves, but would blow the shot. Really a steadying influence on both ends. Considering that he was overmatched in the post every night, you could make an argument that he was the team MVP. If we had real big men, I wonder if he would have developed his game as an actual small forward instead of dedicating himself to being an undersized post.

Nikola: Had some accolades coming in, but got bypassed by more talented players. Didn’t complain and worked to fill his role as a bench guy. Played tough D and generally played within himself. Says something that he saw more important minutes than Seeley who is the better athlete and much more touted.

Monty: I apologize for hatting you for over a decade. Taking an undersized team with no depth, no clue on defense, little discipline on offense, and winning a Pac-10 championship is absolutely amazing. He clearly knows the game, knows how to teach the game, and will make us competitive in the years to come.

For the offseason, since my post-game consolation buzz is still going strong:

Jorge: Shoot. A lot. Floaters. Pull-up jumpers. Finish. And work on those handles.
MSF: Get yourself healthy and then get in the best shape of your life.
Seeley: Play Jorge one on one every day, loser gets something unpleasant and/or embarrassing done to them. Learn to play with urgency.
Smith: Get stronger. Work on your handles and outside shot. If the incoming frosh are as good as advertised, you’ll need to be solid.
Bak Bak: Go to People’s Park. Tell Eddie you want the good package and lock yourself in the weight room. Don’t be alarmed if your head gets bigger and you start getting really angry. Oh, getting eligible again would be good.
Kamp: Rehab. Work on your post moves and mid-range shot. Make us cry with despair that if you had only been healthy in ‘09-’10, we’d have had the best team evair.
Zhang: Hang out w/ Bak Bak and get really, really pumped. Eat lots of stuff. Work on your hands, footwork, and finishing.

In all likelihood, we’re middle of the pack next year. If one of the freshman can play, maybe we’re a bubble team. If more than one can play, game on. It’s been a great year. Go Bears!