[JNixonParticipant]

25: Cal Golden Bears

Frontcourt- This Cal team loses 1 player of note, and that’s Markhuri Sanders-Frison who was frankly a big bodied 6’7 265 C who put in 10 ppg and 7 rpg. They do return their whole frontcourt besides him though. The leader of the group is PF Harper Kamp, a 6’8 235 Sr. Kamp is a high IQ player who does everything he needs to on the floor. He’s efficient in the paint offensively, passes well, rebounds his area good enough, and is a steady positional defender. He’s not a standout defender, rebounder, or athlete, but he’s not a stiff either. He averaged 14 ppg and 5 rpg last year, I expect around 12 ppg and 6 rpg next year though. He won’t need to score quite as much, but he will need to rebound more. He broke out last season after being a modest contributor before, and is a 5^th year guy after redshirting in 09-10 due to a knee injury. Cal has a Soph. in Richard Solomon who will need to step up as well. Solomon is a long 6’10 225 who blocks shots well and has potential offensively. He has a jump hook already, can stick 15 foot shots, runs the floor, is a decent passer, and plays tougher than you’d expect from a thin guy. He’s still developing strength, but he put on about 15 lbs since he was a Sr. in HS reportedly and has the frame to get bigger. He needs to cut down on fouls as well, especially since his minutes will rise. Look for about 8 or 9 ppg, 6 rpg, and a block from him. Jr. Bak Bak and Fr. David Kravish will provide depth. Bak is another long guy at 6’9 and he’s worked on getting stronger for the past 2 summers. He’s more skilled than you’d think though. He has the ability to stretch and hit the college 3. He is raw though, and is still learning the game. Kravish is a 6’9 205 guy who needs time in the weight room, but he can make 15 footers and is a quick leaper. Cal will need their younger players to grow up, but there is talent here.

Backcourt- Cal will have a good amount of talent here. They have 2 standout players in the Pac-12, Jorge Gutierrez and Allan Crabbe. Gutierrez, a 6’3 200 Sr,  is the leader of the team, they pretty much go as he goes. He’s a competitive and feisty player who works extremely hard, especially on D. He was the PG for the team last year and led the squad in both ppg and apg. He had some explosive scoring games, but he needs to work on playing more under control and making better decisions with the ball. He’s not a great talent overall, and ideally wouldn’t carry the burden of keeping a team afloat offensively, so he will benefit from not having to do so much next year, as the young guys step up.  His sidekick will be late-blooming 6’6 190 Soph. guard Allen Crabbe. Crabbe is a sleeper NBA prospect, who had an outstanding Fr. season after being more of a regional recruit than a highly touted guy. Crabbe is a very good shooter with good size and upside. He played with a composure that’s rare from a young player, and is an effective and unselfish player who doesn’t have to handle the ball a lot to score. Crabbe is also a willing rebounder and passer. He does need to improve his handle, and fill out his promising frame because he can be effected by physical play. He also should get better on D. Crabbe is a player to look out for. I expect about 17 or 18 ppg and 5 rpg from him. Also figuring in the backcourt will be Jr. Brandon Smith, rFr. Alex Rossi, and Soph. Jeff Powers. Smith is a 5’11 PG with quickness. He can make plays for teammates in the drive and dish, although he is limited on D and with his floor vision due to his height, and he’s not a big scoring threat either.Rossi sat out last year with an injury to the groin. He was recruited as a lights out shooter though, and that will be key for the team. Jeff Powers is a 6’8 SG who contributed some last year when called upon. He’s got a nice shot, but he needs toughness on both ends. Crabbe is a darkhorse All-America candidate and Gutierrez is a leader.

Overall- I believe Mike Montgomery is a very good coach, and he has a sharp mind offensively. Cal’s a fairly young team, but their youth and the veterans going through the Pac-10 last year will give them valuable experience moving into this year. They overachieved last year to me, and I think they fare well in a still improving Pac-12. Allen Crabbe, Harper Kamp, and Jorge Gutierrez is a very nice 3-man core. One of the better cores in the country honestly. Look for Cal to be a 2-and-out tourney team.

 

[Stojakovicfor3Participant]

I think Allen Crabbe will emerge as a star next season. I can’t wait to see him play against UCLA, especially with Malcolm Lee gone. UCLA is one of Cal’s toughest opponents and I think a few good games against them will get Crabbe some serious recognition as Cal’s major player.

[Stojakovicfor3Participant]

I think Allen Crabbe will emerge as a star next season. I can’t wait to see him play against UCLA, especially with Malcolm Lee gone. UCLA is one of Cal’s toughest opponents and I think a few good games against them will get Crabbe some serious recognition as Cal’s major player.

[llperez]

Cal has a real chance of winning the PAC 12. Guttierres might not be an ideal lead man, but he was playing like a star down the stretch getting 20 + pretty regulary. Crabbe and the overall development of the other guys will take some of the pressure off him having to do that this season. Very solid squad who plays defense and has scorers

[llperez]

Cal has a real chance of winning the PAC 12. Guttierres might not be an ideal lead man, but he was playing like a star down the stretch getting 20 + pretty regulary. Crabbe and the overall development of the other guys will take some of the pressure off him having to do that this season. Very solid squad who plays defense and has scorers

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 I watched Harper Kamp win 3 state titles in Arizona, he had Kendal Wallace from UNLV and Brandon Lavander from Arizona on his team.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 I watched Harper Kamp win 3 state titles in Arizona, he had Kendal Wallace from UNLV and Brandon Lavander from Arizona on his team.

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