Cal basketball: Justin Cobbs makes first all-Pac-12 team

Pac-12 men’s basketball awards were given out today, and as you would expect, the Arizona Wildcats swept most major categories, and deservedly so. It just makes it so much more delightful that we were able to beat them once this year!

Anyway, the California Golden Bears didn’t find themselves with too many honors. Probably the only significant one was Justin Cobbs making first team All Pac-12.

While I think a case could have been made for Roberto Nelson making the first team, I do understand why Cobbs did make it. He had an outstanding early January run that had Cal in contention for a Pac-12 title, and he of course had one of the most memorable moments of the college basketball season. He is the engine for an offense that would probably collapse without him (seriously, watch what happens to our offense when he leaves the floor). It’s no wonder he struggled late this year as the minutes (he averages 34 a game) took their toll.

Richard Solomon earned honorable mention Pac-12, which seems about right. He played very well in some important games. Jordan Mathews earned honorable mention on the Pac-12 all-freshman team, and his development will be crucial to opening up next year’s offense. David Kravish earned honorable mention all-defense; his ability to protect the rim early in the season was crucial in so many big spots.

Congrats to our Bears!