Cal Men's Basketball vs. the George Washington Colonials Preview and Open Thread
Edit: To watch the game on a stream, click here
The George Washington Colonials are crossing the Delaware on a long road trip to take on our sturdy Golden Bears. Although they're a mid-major team from the Atlantic-10 conference, this was a solid team last year and they return all of their best players. They were a good offensive rebounding squad and got to line frequently. Unfortunately, they also played the game at a very slow pace, perhaps not quite four corners or Princeton-esque, but deliberate at best. It will be interesting to see which team is better able to dictate tempo in this one.
New Head Coach Mike Lonergan comes in having spent the last six seasons as Vermont's head coach. During his tenure, he averaged 21 wins a year and lead the Catamounts to four post-season berths, including the Big Dance in 2010. He also won two conference Coach of the Year awards. It's unknown precisely what type of offense or defense he'll install. His Vermont teams played good defense, and were balanced on offense. He doesn't use gimmicky zones, run' n gun, or shoot non-stop 3's as far as I could determine.
On the other hand, we have Mike Montgomery, future college basketball Hall of Famer. That works for me.
After the jump, let's take a closer look at the matchups:
(Last year: 17-14, 10-7 in A-10)
Projected Starters:
F/C: David Pellom(Jr), 6'8, 215 lbs, 6.7 ppg, 5 rpg
F: Nemanja Mikic(So), 6'8, 216 lbs, 8.1 ppg, 43.6% 3FG
SF: Dwayne Smith(Jr), 6'6, 220 lbs, 9.3 ppg, 5 rpg
SG: Lasan Kromah(So), 6'5, 197 lbs, 11.8 ppg, 35.6% 3FG
PG: Tony Taylor(Sr), 6'1, 191 lbs, 15 ppg, 4.6 apg
Reserves:
F: Jabari Edwards(Sr), 6'10, 215 lbs, 2.4 ppg, 2.3 blocks/game
F: Jonathan Davis(Fr), 6'7, 215 lbs
F: John Kopriva(Fr), 6'8, 205 lbs
G: Aaron Ware(Sr), 6'5, 202 lbs, 5.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg
G: Bryan Bynes(Jr), 6'3, 170 lbs, 6.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg
G: Dan Guest(So), 6'2, 205 lbs
G: Malik Tonkins(Fr), 5'5, 150 lbs
For those of you who trust the machine, Kenpom predicts a 75-64 Cal victory at 84% certainty.
Personnel:
Tony Taylor is the engine that drives the Colonials. His outside shot is just dangerous enough to make you respect it. He's strong and quick enough to get into the lane although he's more of a shoot-first guy than a true distributor. His signature move is to curl off the pick and roll, and then drive the lane for a runner. It's very similar to a play we run all the time for Jorge.
Nemanja Mikic is the Euro-style big man who will torment us all game long by raining uncontested 3's. He's the dark horse candidate behind Taylor for the player we are most likely to despise out of grudging respect.
David Pellom is their top rebounder and interior threat. He'll platoon with Jabari Edwards who is their best shot-blocker. They don't have a strong post game, relying instead on Taylor to penetrate and set other guys up.
Dwayne Smith is their slasher from the wing and Lasan Kromah provides another threat from the outside.
Cal's Projected Starters:
C: Richard Solomon
PF: Harper Kamp
SF: Allen Crabbe
SG: Jorge Gutierrez
PG: Brandon Smith
Bench:
G: Justin Cobbs
G: Emerson Murray
C: Robert Thurman
F: Bak Bak
F: David Kravish
F: Jeff Powers
Keys to the Game:
1) The Cal Guards vs. Tony Taylor
Can we slow him down without our starters getting in foul trouble? I know Monty was hoping to play more man defense this year, but this might be one scenario where zone might be an effective way to stop Taylor from getting into the paint.
2) Cal Defense vs. GW's Perimeter Shooters
In particular, someone needs to be able to close out on Mikic. Considering that GW isn't too hefty inside, I could see Cal using Solomon's length and athleticism to keep Mikic in check. We'll need to show better awareness of fighting through screens and switching as necessary.
3) Boxing Out
GW likes to keep their power forward on the perimeter and draw one of our bigs away from the hoop. Although they don't have any overpowering big men, their guards and wing players all have decent size and like to crash the offensive glass.
TV: ESPNU
Radio: KNEW 910 AM
Streams: www.calbears.com/allaccess
*For others, please post below in comments
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apps.ohlulz.com/ncaa/flash.php?lulz=rtmp://cp98724.live.edgefcs.net:1935/live&id=cal_m-baskbl@31486
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 6:12 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
Kenpom sez: Cal wins 73-62. He ranks George Washington as the 106th best team in the country in his preseason rankings, and a middle-of-the-pack A-10 team.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Their new coach also brought Vermont to the NCAA tournament back in March of 2010
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 6:17 PM PST up reply actions
Hmm wonder if PRD’s stream will be up since I can’t stream that link on my phone
no bear, no care
by EchoOfSilence on Nov 13, 2011 6:20 PM PST via mobile reply actions
secondary el el eye en kay
firstrowsports.tv/watch/91905/1/watch-george-washington-vs-california.html
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 6:22 PM PST up reply actions
also it's on espnu
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 6:23 PM PST up reply actions
It’d be nice to get a stream of that. I’ll take what I can get though, of course :)
"i, for one, welcome our new atomic overlords" - GoldBlooded
by atomsareenough on Nov 13, 2011 6:24 PM PST up reply actions
bless you
"i, for one, welcome our new atomic overlords" - GoldBlooded
by atomsareenough on Nov 13, 2011 6:38 PM PST up reply actions
I know this isn't the NFL thread
But I just want to mention Andre Carter is dominating right now for the Patriots.
two sacks that count and one that should
(intentional grounding)
(seemingly minor hip flexor injury)
"i, for one, welcome our new atomic overlords" - GoldBlooded
by atomsareenough on Nov 13, 2011 6:30 PM PST up reply actions
Go Bears!
let’s move to 2-0 for the season
by LEastCoastBears on Nov 13, 2011 6:32 PM PST reply actions
What do you guys do?
Does Kodiak or Ohio Bear say they can’t watch the game and ask you to give the updates?
Kodiak is at the game today
But I usually try to provide some updates for those who can’t watch. It’s hard for basketball, though. So fast.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
suprised that Crabbe passed that ball up to Soloman for 3
with shot clock winding down
by LEastCoastBears on Nov 13, 2011 6:38 PM PST reply actions
It was kind of a sloppy possession all around.
"i, for one, welcome our new atomic overlords" - GoldBlooded
by atomsareenough on Nov 13, 2011 6:42 PM PST up reply actions
Crabbe makes a great pass to Kravish, who goes up strong and gets fouled on the dunk attempt. Probably would’ve been an and-1 if he just tried a lay-up, but I won’t complain about someone going up strong.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
8-4 Bears
Beautiful footwork from Kamp, scoops it up and in!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
is this on espn 3
What did i tell you...didn't I say they would win? Yeah that's right I did didn't ? Wait.. what? They LOST?!?!?
Come sit next to me now, 49er.

Fiatlux, it’s all gone brilliantly. Thanks for your help! I am hogging the fruit plate right now, though, sorry.
JORGE FOR UN PRESIDENT!
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 6:45 PM PST reply actions
JORGE ES MI FAVORITO
"i, for one, welcome our new atomic overlords" - GoldBlooded
by atomsareenough on Nov 13, 2011 7:28 PM PST up reply actions
FUCKING PAC-12 REFS! VIVA LA REVOLUCION!
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 6:47 PM PST reply actions
THE VALLEY! REPRESENT!
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 6:49 PM PST reply actions
I love you PRD!
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 6:50 PM PST up reply actions
mmmm high quality loveliness
"i, for one, welcome our new atomic overlords" - GoldBlooded
by atomsareenough on Nov 13, 2011 7:30 PM PST up reply actions
B Smith with a nice drive and bucket!
Interesting lineup: Kravish, Cobbs, Smith, Bak and Jorge Powers
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Particularly interesting because of what Monty said earlier!
Monty sez: We always need two out of Jorge, Harper and Crabbe on the court at any one time
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
we're way too sloppy
got to start playing better
by LEastCoastBears on Nov 13, 2011 6:54 PM PST reply actions
Lame
Cobbs(?) got mugged on that play after getting the rebound.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Cal 14, GW 13
Cobbs drives, forces contact, gets to the line and makes 2
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
PAC-12 refs represent!
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 6:58 PM PST reply actions
don't they generally use a 3rd conference refs for these non conference contests?
or is that only for football
by LEastCoastBears on Nov 13, 2011 7:01 PM PST up reply actions
NICE play Guti to Kravish
He looked very poised
"Bad pass"
When did Maynard start playing basketball?
by FromCtoShining(Blue)C on Nov 13, 2011 7:05 PM PST reply actions
Jorge hits a nice jumper to regain the lead
Then draws a foul on the next possession
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Crabbe looked a bit awkward there
hope he didn’t hurt himself but great job of recovering after he realized that he jumped too early to dunk it
by LEastCoastBears on Nov 13, 2011 7:07 PM PST reply actions
man we are eating the defensive glass up
and nice put-in by kravish!
I dub these Bears
THREEVE.0
"i, for one, welcome our new atomic overlords" - GoldBlooded
by atomsareenough on Nov 13, 2011 7:31 PM PST up reply actions
dookie, baby!!!!
What did i tell you...didn't I say they would win? Yeah that's right I did didn't ? Wait.. what? They LOST?!?!?
Wow, that was a pretty cool breakdown from the ESPNU halftime guys.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
All about how awesome Jorge is :)
"i, for one, welcome our new atomic overlords" - GoldBlooded
by atomsareenough on Nov 13, 2011 7:26 PM PST up reply actions
why am i watching two guy watching tv
doesn’t espnu have some fancier way to show this?
by LEastCoastBears on Nov 13, 2011 7:22 PM PST reply actions
AND that was that awful ND game
by FromCtoShining(Blue)C on Nov 13, 2011 7:23 PM PST up reply actions
I was thinking the same thing.
One of them was even holding the remote.
Pretty hokey for espn.
by C98 on Nov 13, 2011 7:24 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
CGB live report from the game
Little K says: “I like Jorge. He’s the best ever.”
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Better than most ESPN commentators!
no bear, no care
by EchoOfSilence on Nov 13, 2011 7:31 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
it's interesting how they stressed that Jorge had a student visa
just to stress that he was not an illegal immigrant from mexico
by LEastCoastBears on Nov 13, 2011 7:25 PM PST reply actions
Does the student section know that Fleming is a furd?
They need to get on that.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I’m cool with Dave, but he needs to know that he made a mistake in the past.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray.
Ooh, the more I get of you
The stranger it feels, yeah
Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the gray.
Yes I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray
Ooh, the more I get of you
The stranger it feels, yeah
And now that your rose is in bloom
A light hits the gloom on the gray
Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the gray.
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 7:28 PM PST reply actions
Thanks, Seal.
"i, for one, welcome our new atomic overlords" - GoldBlooded
by atomsareenough on Nov 13, 2011 7:33 PM PST up reply actions
Hi atoms
This is Twist posting from Redonk’s internet.
You’re welcome!
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 7:40 PM PST up reply actions
On a good day, ESPN would probably say
Jorge passed for 150 yards and a touchdown
by FromCtoShining(Blue)C on Nov 13, 2011 7:38 PM PST up reply actions
Also: I guess the pats dropped whoever had 34 before because Shane Vereen is now #34
Haven’t seen him on the field tho
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 7:36 PM PST reply actions
GW FINALLY breaks the run with 1 FT
Crabbe starts another run with a 3!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
GW gets a FG
Mostly because Brandon fell down. UNACCEPTABLE!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
LOL at the student section
The fake shot clock countdown has been around for awhile, but I enjoyed them making the horn sound when they finished.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Announcers being strangely unspecific about Monty's cancer
He’s 100% cancer free guys. He’s not ‘battling’ cancer right now any more than I am!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Hey, a 3 from Emerson!
If he develops a decent shot that’d be a big step in his game!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
KRAVISH REJECTION!!!1111
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 8:02 PM PST reply actions
Great
I get here just in time to see us go cold like that stretch in the second half of Friday’s game…
IC Markhuri on the edge of the bench
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 8:08 PM PST reply actions
Jorge is still in the game?
we got another one on Tuesday
by LEastCoastBears on Nov 13, 2011 8:08 PM PST reply actions
on the other hand, Jorge allowed Bak^2 to score which should help with Bak^2’s confidence going forward
by LEastCoastBears on Nov 13, 2011 8:10 PM PST up reply actions
Finally caught up to live action after DVRing
Is this 2nd half lull thing going to be our M.O. this year?!?
Man crush on Aaron Rodgers, since 2003.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
If we keep getting huge leads that allow the bench to play big minutes? Probably!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Then I’ll take it
Man crush on Aaron Rodgers, since 2003.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
Random thoughts
So far, so good for our supporting cast:
Kravish has looked solid if not flashy in the first minutes of his career. Plays nice, fundamental basketball with few mistakes and good defense. He’s going to have a nice career. If he can have the smarts and intensity of a guy like Kamp combined with Kravish’s physical potential, we could have a pretty special player for the next few years.
Cobbs seems to have a pretty good handle and a decent shooting stroke. I like what I’m seeing so far and think he will play an increasing role as the season goes on. He’s going to provide key guard depth this year and will be absolutely crucial next year when Jorge and Brandon Smith are both gone.
Murray… I think he’s got potential and am hoping he will continue to develop this year. He seems a little quick to jack up a shot though, and he hasn’t been making them at a very high percentage yet, but I’ll reserve judgment.
I really like how smart Smith has been. Very good passing, and hasn’t been sloppy for the most part.
"i, for one, welcome our new atomic overlords" - GoldBlooded
Lead back up to 25 with less than 3 to go
Time to clear the bench?
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I noticed on the ticker that their conquerors from the other night, Loyola Marymount, lost to Middle Tennessee today
Man crush on Aaron Rodgers, since 2003.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
powers
looks like a bigger midgley to me. maybe my computer isn’t so good—but he’s rocking that 5’oclock shadow
BOOM! BAK BAK'D!
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 8:20 PM PST reply actions
hah
I think Bak is our Max Zhang for this year, only hopefully more skilled.
"i, for one, welcome our new atomic overlords" - GoldBlooded
by atomsareenough on Nov 13, 2011 8:23 PM PST up reply actions
I don’t know about that, Bak doesn’t have quite the crazy length that can annoy everyone (before picking up fouls) that Max had
by LEastCoastBears on Nov 13, 2011 8:24 PM PST up reply actions
I meant more in terms of him being a slightly awkward, inexperienced foreign guy that the crowd loves to root for.
"i, for one, welcome our new atomic overlords" - GoldBlooded
by atomsareenough on Nov 13, 2011 8:36 PM PST up reply actions
Plus, Max didn’t have the advantage of being named Max Max.
"For eight long years have those lobster backs made you bite the dust. It is your turn now. Make them bite and bite hard. Play, every one of you until you drop in your tracks; and when you can’t play any longer, we’ll put another man in your place. If you are repulsed once, come at them again, harder." - Garrett Cochran, Big Game 1898
by CalBear81 on Nov 13, 2011 8:39 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Nice pass to Bak Bak for the dunk dunk :)
Who passed it btw?
"i, for one, welcome our new atomic overlords" - GoldBlooded
ANOTHER BAKET!
"I’ve been waiting my entire life for a troll of your magnitude.
They call me the Trolls Of Trolls. The internet’s most successful troll. I’ve been aware of your legend, your mystique, but I didn’t dare leave my underground lair to find you.
Now, it is time to dance!"
-TwistNHook
by Redonkulous Bear on Nov 13, 2011 8:22 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
81-54 final score
A nice victory against a solid A-10 team!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
nice solid win
especially after the first 10 minutes of the game
GO BEARS!
Beat Austin Peay on Tuesday night (another nationally televised game, this time on ESPN2)!
by LEastCoastBears on Nov 13, 2011 8:23 PM PST reply actions
This can only mean good national exposure. Awesome.
no bear, no care
by EchoOfSilence on Nov 13, 2011 8:38 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
…assuming we win, that is ;)
"i, for one, welcome our new atomic overlords" - GoldBlooded
by atomsareenough on Nov 13, 2011 8:39 PM PST up reply actions
Good game
I almost got kicked out (got a warning). Jabari Edwards was TOO EASY to heckle. Complete head case. To start off the game, the head mic man yelled at him: “Hey #13, you take your medicine today?”, to which the mature Edwards responded by turning to him and saying “Fuck you, man”. Seeing that this guy was so easy to heckle, I went up to him during one of the in bounds plays and started asking him how his steroids were treating him, to which he responded by clearly pausing to think of something to say, then finally claiming: “I got them from your mom”. (If you couldn’t tell before, he is quite stupid). Hearing this exchange, the ref turned to me and told me to knock it off and later told the assistant AD to warn me that if I did anything else, I would be kicked out of the game. The assistant AD was understanding and told me I could still heckle, I just needed to stay standing on The Bench. I continued to heckle in peace.
*Insert something witty here*. Oh, and Stanfurd Sucks.
by FrankCohen on Nov 13, 2011 9:19 PM PST reply actions 4 recs
YOU GO FRANK!
Yet another reason why I hate Pac 12 refs… and I’m shocked (in a good way) the Assistant AD didn’t overreact. There may be some hope.
Hes a young fiatlux!
In the Game of Trolls, you either troll or you die.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
I thought fiatlux was an old FrankCohen.
"For eight long years have those lobster backs made you bite the dust. It is your turn now. Make them bite and bite hard. Play, every one of you until you drop in your tracks; and when you can’t play any longer, we’ll put another man in your place. If you are repulsed once, come at them again, harder." - Garrett Cochran, Big Game 1898
“I got them from your mom”?!? That’s the best he could do?!?
Man crush on Aaron Rodgers, since 2003.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store




























































