Golden Nuggets: Jabari Bird Celebrates His Birthday With Class

Until now, Jabari Bird's July 3rd birthday meant he never had to go to school on his birthday. Summer bridge changed, that, however, as he tells Jeff Faraudo in an interview.

Cal freshman Jabari Bird celebrated his 19th birthday by attending two summer bridge classes Wednesday.

"It was definitely a little bit different," Bird told me. "I’m not used to going to school on my B-day. It was only two classes — Education 98 and College Writing N2. It was fun."

Although he has only been on campus for a week, Bird has already caught the attention of some dedicated Cal fans on campus (CGBers?!).

The shooting guard from Salesian High in Richmond is coach Mike Montgomery’s highest-profile recruit to Berkeley. Still, Bird told me he’s been a little surprised that already he has a profile among other students on campus.

"I’ve had a couple people come up to me and say, `Hi. You’re Jabari Bird. I’ve seen your videos on YouTube,’ " he said. "I haven’t played a game yet and they already know who I am. It’s a big thing for me.

"I like it that people recognize me. It’s a compliment. But I’m definitely a little surprised by it. It’s only been 3 or 4 people, but I’ll take it."

He also talks about how replacing the void left by Allen Crabbe's absence.

"I’m not trying to come in and be Allen Crabbe 2.0. I’m just trying to be the first and only Jabari Bird," he said. "I just expect to come in and get minutes right away as a freshman and help the team out. Just come in and make my mark in the program.

"Of course, there will be expectations and comparisons between the two of us. But even though we play the same position, I don’t think our games are really that similar.

"I would love to be half the shooter he is, but I feel I’m a better athlete and I can do other things."

Hit the link for the rest of the interview.

Football

• Nnamdi Asomugha married Django Unchained leading lady Kerry Washington.
• 4-star safety Jaleel Wadood committed to the Bears.
• Sporting News rates Cal's nonconference schedule as 6th-toughest in the nation.

Basketball

• Jorge Gutierrez will play for the Sacramento! Kings' summer league team.
• Layshai Clarendon and Tom Shields each won the 2012-13 Tom Hansen Conference Medal. The annual award is given to a senior who demonstrates excellence in athletics and in the classroom.

Track

• Cal alum David Torrence ran a 3:34.19 1500m at the Stanislas de Nancy meet. This was the fastest time by an American this year.

Golf

• Michael Kim will play as an amateur in this week's stop at the PGA Tour, the Greenbrier Classic.

Crew

• Ten of the women's team's incoming freshmen competed at the US Rowing Youth National Championships.
• Four members of the women's team were named CRCA All-Americans, including Kara Koehler who earned her third All-American honor.

Water Polo

• Three members of the women's team earned All-American honors, including Emily Csikos who earned her fourth consecutive nod.