Cal basketball notes: Cuonzo Martin talks Ivan Rabb, impressed by Charlie Moore

Cal basketball held a practice last week! Full press conference available here.

Ivan Rabb suffered a foot injury in a supposed secret scrimmage against St. Mary’s and was seen in a walking boot, but it seems like the injury was not too serious according to head coach Cuonzo Martin. Rabb reportedly will be ready to go for the exhibition.

Center Kingsley Okoroh had a right hand injury, but is expected to heal up in a week or two. He’s likely to be ready by opening night, if not the exhibition this week.

Martin mentioned Stephen Domingo as a player who has definitely improved and someone who appears to be more vocal. His confidence is very much based on his jump shooting, so his streakiness could be a big determinant as to how far Cal goes this season.

Rabb continues to grow as a basketball player, and has improved in taking perimeter shots. Martin still wants Rabb to improve upon demanding the basketball; it’s not so much about drawing plays for him as it is a mindset for Rabb to be better at finding ways to get it.

Martin made a point at Pac-12 Media Day that Rabb will be the focal point of the offense.

"More than anything, the ball will be in Ivan's hands more -- not necessarily bringing the ball up like a point guard, but the ball will be in his hands to make plays," Martin said. "Jabari's a focal point on the perimeter, to get him shots and make plays. I think you've got to allow both of those guys to make plays offensively, and other guys can be the spot-up shooter, dive to the basket, whatever it is you do, that's the ability, but it has to flow through those two guys."

Martin singled out Grant Mullins as a good decision maker, good at moving off the ball, and someone who can also be a ball-handler and shooter. Expect him to be Cal’s short-term answer to the loss of Jordan Mathews.

Something Martin and Jabari Bird were very positive about on Pac-12 Media Day? Charlie Moore!

"He hasn't really hit a bump yet, where he couldn't handle it," Bird said. "He's been extremely mature, and I'm looking forward to playing with him this season."

"Like Jabari said, he might be the first one that I've seen as a young guy, as a true freshman from the summertime up until now that really hasn't skipped a beat or hasn't hit a wall yet, or hasn't made facial expressions, body language,'I'm struggling, Coach,' complaining," Martin said. "He just takes his strides and keeps rolling. He wants to be a success. He pushes the ball and makes guys better. But, again, a lot of credit to his background and the way his dad put him in a situation to be successful. So wouldn't be surprised when it's all said and done [if] Charlie's one of the better guys that have ever come out of Cal."

Cal basketball plays its first game on November 3rd in an exhibition matchup against California Baptist. It’s unclear if there will be any way to watch the game. Cal’s first regular season game will take place against South Dakota State on Friday, November 11th.