:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45802742/B_DMcJIU0AAY1TR.0.0.jpg)
Davon Dillard was the first commitment for the 2015 recruiting class, and a much needed jump start for Cuonzo Martin and Cal basketball. Now it's time for the hammer. Can Cal land the big men they so desperately need for the next few seasons?
Ivan Rabb (CGB scouting report): The Oakland (Ca.) Bishop O'Dowd big is target numero uno left, and all indications are the trip was a success. Adam Zagoria of ZagsBlog has more.
"I think the visit went real well," Tami Rabb, Ivan’s mother, told SNY.tv on Monday. "They visit really highlighted the growth and revamping of the Cal basketball program. The new coaching staff and support team are diligently working towards becoming a powerhouse in college ball. It was refreshing to see them outline the changes they are planning to make within their program. There is definitely a new energy within the program."
The coolest sign is that Rabb made it a group trip. Not only did he help bring Dillard here, but also invited 2016 Cal commit Oscar Frayer and Caleb Swanigan as well.
"He asked them to come no a visit with him," she said. "I’m sure he would like to play with them."
This is huge stuff. We've heard that Rabb is interested in Cal and had them near the top, but these additional moves seem to indicate that we are at the top, along with probably another school like Arizona and Kentucky (also Kansas and UCLA are still expected to get visits). Can the local connection work out better for the Bears? Can they beat out the bluebloods?
MUST READ: What did 5-star big man Ivan Rabb's mom think of his #Cal visit? @lindzcatharine has the scoop... ($) https://t.co/EgLa6r7ft2
— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) March 2, 2015
Caleb Swanigan (CGB scouting report): The Fort Wayne (Indiana) Homestead center is more of an engima.
Swanigan’s visit was also "good," his guardian Roosevelt Barnes told SNY.tv.
It makes sense--we haven't heard much about his recruitment, and the biggest connection is his friendship with Rabb. But Cuonzo has actually recruited Swanigan back from his Tennessee days. There are deep connections there. Duke, Michigan State, Kentucky and Arizona are all in the mix there.
A lot hinges on the decisions of these two big men. Will Cal have a good recruiting class or a great one?