Jerome Randle will be key for California this year.
At the end of each season, I evaluate team’s rosters to see who they have coming back and to think about their potential for the following season. The California Golden Bears are one of several teams that stuck out in my mind to have a nice season for 2009-10. Second year coach Mike Montgomery did a tremendous job last year, finishing 22-11 and taking the Bears to the NCAA Tournament. With loads of talent returning and a roster full of key seniors, Montgomery will have no problem going further than the first round.
It all starts with point guard Jerome Randle. As a junior, he averaged over 18 points and 5 assists. He is also California’s career leader in free throw percentage. A bit on the small side, Randle has blazing quickness and can score in a variety of ways. I really don’t know what the strongest part of his game is. He has range from deep (46.3% 3fg), he can penetrate on anyone, and if he doesn’t score, he’s going to the line or dishing it off. And I like his attitude – very confident on the court.
I read in Athlon Sports Magazine that California returns everyone who contributed to their 210 made 3-point baskets a year ago. And to top it off, they lead the nation in 3-point percentage at 42.7%. We know Randle can drain, but so can senior guard Patrick Christopher (35.8% 3fg) and senior forward Theo Robertson (48.7% 3fg). These three will terrorize opponents in transition and the half court setting. Christopher flirted with NBA but wisely decided to return to school, and Robertson is a tough player who doesn’t mind mixing it up with anyone.
The rest of the California roster is full of guys who are perfect role players. Jamal Boykin is a 6’8″ senior power forward who will get plenty of garbage buckets and is a wonderful rebounder. His leadership in the paint will be key for Cal this year. Jorge Gutierrez is a shorter version of Eduardo Najera. This guy is relentless on the defensive side of the ball and will be the spark off the bench for Montgomery. With the departure of center Jordan Wilkes, that burden falls on juco transfer, Markhuri Sanders-Frison. He may a bit undersized in terms of height (6’8″), but at 265 pounds, he’ll be a much welcomed block of muscle down low for the Bears. An interesting player to watch will be 7’3″ sophomore Max Zhang. The Chinese import actually looked pretty good in Cal’s win over Detroit Wednesday night. He’ll be hard to keep away from the offensive glass.
Brandon Smith, a freshman point guard, will provide back up minutes for Randle. He’s super quick and has good handles. He’ll play a crucial role for the Bears this year, especially if Randle ever gets in foul trouble. Senior Nikola Knezevic will provide back up minutes in the back court, and Omondi Amoke is an active player who can play either forward position. Bak Bak, a native of Sudan, is a 6’10” freshman who will be a project.
There is no doubt Mike Montgomery has brought his NBA experience to Berkeley. Cool as ice on the bench, he has taught his players the art of the fast break quite well. It was beautiful to watch. Randle sprints with the ball to the top of the key while slowing down to weigh his options; the wingmen fill the sidelines looking for a pass to the rim, or depending on the defense, they may fade to the corner ready for the 3 ball. And of course there is either a man already in the paint, or someone trailing. Truly a nice fast break. Montgomery also employs a terrific half court offense. It is motion-based with designated screeners. Check out their floor spacing and ball movement – two fundamentals clearly taken directly from the best NBA teams.
I have high expectations for the California Golden Bears this year. I predict that they’ll win the PAC 10 regular season title in a close race with Washington. Despite question marks in the low post, their guard play and three-point attack will win them plenty of games. And with senior leadership and solid role players, they should make a splash come mid to late March.
College Courtside 