Emerson Murray is excited to be the newest member of the Cal basketball team.
"They just told me to come in and work. That’s what I plan to do. Hopefully, I’ll be able to play a big role in the team’s success next season," he said. "Even if that doesn’t happen, I’m able to work to be able to do that down the road. Anything, really, is just a blessing."
Murray said he’d like to eventually play point guard for the Bears. "I hope so. With the resources I have with those wonderful coaches, I hope I can take in everything they have to say and make them make me a point guard."
Murray acknowledged his game is nothing like that of the most famous player to emerge from British Columbia — two-time NBA most valuable player Steve Nash.
"I’d say it’s a little different. He’s more of a finesse guy," Murray said. "He’s so amazing, it’s hard to say what he does. He’s so unorthodox. If you see him in the street, he’s kind of an average Joe."
He likes to think his game more resembles the way Derrick Rose or Russell Westbrook plays.
"Kind of that fast, athletic guard who likes to play both ends of the floor and likes the transition game," Murray said.
Pasha Bains, who coached Murray the past two summers with the Drive Basketball Academy traveling team, agreed that the Derrick Rose comparison has some merit.
"He’s athletic and durable, ultra-fast. Some of the dunks he can pull off are amazing," said Bains, who played college ball at Clemson. "He’s a great player, a great kid."
After the jump Devanei Hampton and Alexis Gray-Lawson impress at camp, the Heat draft Randle in a recent mock draft, Eric Mina wins Cal's first Pac-10 golf title since Charlie Wi, and more.
Cal Football
- Nyan Boateng will attend the 49ers' mini camp this weekend.
- Wilner put together a woefully underdeveloped collection of statistics relating conference wins to draft picks.
Cal Basketball
- Former Cal women's basketball star Devanei Hampton has been impressive at camp for the Seattle Storm. She has improved her mobility by dropping 25 lbs. After undergoing two knee surgeries in two years, her mobility was an issue in her junior and senior years at Cal. Washington Mystics GM praised Alexis Gray-Lawson's defense.
- Faraudo gives his CCTimes version of the story on Emerson Murray. The Vancouver Province gives its take on Murray's commitment. Murray is especially excited about the educational opportunities he'll be given at Cal. When his playing days are over, he hopes to become an announcer.
- DraftExpress.com predicts the Miami Heat will take Randle with their second round pick.
- For the 2010 edition of the Pac-10/Big-12 Hardwood Series, Cal will play at Iowa State on December 4th. Cal defeated the Cyclones 82-63 last year.
- Eric Mina became the second Bear ever to win the Pac-10 title (the only other winner was Charlie Wi).