Josh (@jphunsucker) brings back his one-man pod and talks misplaced outrage at the Stanford Band, Jed York's press conference, Draymond Green's back-to-back-to-back triple doubles, the No. 4 women's basketball recruit in America aka Miramonte's Sabrina Ionescu, the re-booted running man celebration in college football, and opens the text line to take on obscure questions like what to do in an armed robbery and who to blame tent farts on.
Josh (@jphunsucker) brings back his one-man pod and talks misplaced outrage at the Stanford Band, Jed York's press conference, Draymond Green's back-to-back-to-back triple doubles, the No. 4 womens basketball recruit in America aka Miramonte's Sabrina Ionescu, the re-booted running man celebration in college football, and opens the text line to take on obscure questions like what to do in an armed robbery and who to blame tent farts on.
Saint Mary's basketball radio broadcaster Alex Jensen checks in with Brett Thomas for the second edition of "The Battery." The East Bay tandem discuss the Warriors' magical season, the state of the 49ers and the CAL Bears and Stanford Cardinal resounding bowl victories.
By Connor Buestad | Connor@Section925.com
If one was forced to sum up Dave Henderson’s life in one sentence, perhaps his custom autograph signature would be a good place to start: “Hendu, still having fun.”
Henderson enjoyed a 14-year Major League career playing for five teams, but in just six seasons as an Athletic, Hendu was able to win over a fan base forever in Oakland.
Surely, the love for Hendu can be traced back to his performance on the field, as the center fielder helped lead the A’s to three straight World Series appearances and a 1989 sweep of SF in the Bay Bridge Series. But the deeper strains of love for Hendu can be attributed to the way he approached the game of baseball. How he never played without a smile on his face, how he engaged the fans in the outfield bleachers, how he quietly helped shepherd the Bash Brother’s through all the ups and downs.
As most A’s fans would admit, Hendu’s most indelible mark on a baseball field was made in 1986 in a Boston Red Sox uniform. It was the ALCS and Boston was on the road, down 3-1 in the series to the California Angels. With two outs, Hendu strode to the plate against shut-down closer Donnie Moore. With two strikes, Hendu somehow slugged a two-run homer to send the game into extra innings, where Boston would win both the game and eventually the series.
The homer still is alive and well in baseball lore, considered widely as one of the most clutch swings of the bat in the game’s history. There was Hendu, with the weight of the Curse of the Bambino square on his shoulders, swinging for the fences with two-strikes in the ninth. His post homer celebration was not a modern day “pimp-job” popular today. Instead Hendu leapt as high as he could, spinning in the air like a little leaguer. Smiling the whole time. Announcer Al Michaels’ television call was perfect, “You’re looking at one for the ages here,” he proclaimed.
After a short 15-game pit-stop in San Francisco, Henderson arrived across the bay in Oakland, where it didn’t take long for him to become a fan favorite. Number 42 wasn’t your prototypical speedster in center field, but Hendu and his large-frame still managed to cover all the necessary real estate in the expansive Coliseum outfield.
Oakland bleacher creatures quickly took kindly to Hendu and his positive outfield vibes. Multiple fan clubs adorned the Oakland-Alameda County Colisuem including “HENDULAND” and “Hendu’s Bad Boy Club.” After catching the final out of an inning, you could always count on Hendu to feed his fans with a souvenir baseball, accompanied by his signature gap-toothed smile.
“The thing that stood out was his attitude. There wasn’t a stadium we went to where he didn’t have the center field fans going crazy. He really had respect and appreciation for the game. People talk about all the big hits and the World Series, but to me, it was that great attitude he brought every day. He would instantly pick you up, put you in the right frame of mind, get you going.”
During the A’s heyday, Hendu often hit second. Hitting behind the likes of Rickey Henderson and in front of Bash Brothers Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco, Henderson was left happily “hitting cookies” as he described it. For three straight seasons (1988-1990) Hendu helped take the A’s to the Fall Classic. On the biggest stage, Hendu was clutch. Proving that his famous Boston homer wasn’t a fluke, Henderson hit .298 during his postseason appearances, well above his career average. In the A’s World Series sweep of the Giants, Hendu blasted two homers in one game at Candlestick. Again, all with a smile on his face.
Hendu was not only a terrific player and teammate, he was also a family man who cared for his son Chase who suffers from Angelman Syndrome, a neuro-genetic disorder. “Hendu’s Bad Boy Club for Angleman Syndrome” was one of Henderson’s charity events to help support his son and the larger community affected.
There will never be another Hendu, and there will never be another team like the 1989 Oakland A’s. It is a shame that arguably the most uplifting and positive person from that championship team was one of the first to pass away. Even though Hendu is gone, he leaves behind a legacy in Oakland that won’t soon be forgotten. Thank you for the memories, Hendu.
Barry Bonds is hoping his alleged steroid use won't keep him out of Cooperstown
By LeAnne Harris
It's the dead of the off-season, and while the stove is cooling, we're still months away from Opening Day. There is no baseball to watch, and if you're anything like me, you've got the iconic Rangers-Jays Seventh Inning playing in the background while you're refreshing your twitter feed every eleven seconds, giving yourself enough time to read an A's beat writer's response to a quirky fan comment and an article on a Barry Bonds vote to the Hall of Fame by Ken Rosenthal.
Wait, Ken Rosenthal did what?
That's right. Kenny Bowties did the unthinkable. For the first time in their three years of eligibility, Rosenthal included Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens in his Hall of Fame Ballot.
Rosenthal outlined several excellent points in this article released last night, discussing his recent motion to include the two players. Along the thoughts of cheating and authenticity, Rosenthal states: "I no longer could justify snubbing two of the greatest players of this era." Rosenthal then explains that if a player has faced accusations yet was still inducted to the Hall of Fame, there is still no proof that they did not engage in PED use. So why is it considered a crime for Bonds and Clemens to be elected?
The morality behind inducting possible PED users is more so an argument of authenticity. As Rosenthal wrote, "suspicion alone is not enough to withhold a vote from a player who hasn't admitted to PED use, never tested positive to public knowledge, never been the subject of a government investigation." And though we may be fully aware that both Bonds and Clemens were subjects in government trials, does that give them less of a right to be inducted if the charges were dropped?
Whether you agree that both players should be in the HOF or that they are cheaters and should be recognized as cheaters, having Ken Rosenthal's votes are just as important in the long run as other voters. We see and hear Ken Rosenthal everywhere, and one could only imagine the impact he may have on his voting brethren.
Rosenthal is the main, credible source we have for trades and news, and his ability to report such news allows for us baseball fans to see him as a familiar, comforting face when it comes to baseball. He made such a substantial decision on reversing his previous statements on adding both Bonds and Clemens to his ballot, which can be either judged as noble or cowardly among fans and other players. Both Bonds and Clemens have names that are tarnished for the rest of their lives, regardless of the numbers they put up during their careers; and while Rosenthal still feels conflicted after submitting his ballot, he understands the frustrating and contradictory point.
With such a big, influential reporter admitting his uncertainty on one of the biggest baseball scandals of the decade, it may show other voters in the future, if he is not inducted from the 2016 ballot, that it is okay to place a vote for him. We could possibly have one of the best, biggest, and baddest entertainers in the history of baseball inducted into the Hall of Fame, and for that, I am juiced.
Christian Mccaffrey finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting. (Photo Michael Macor)
Insider J Torchio and repeat pod offender Chris Hawkins break down the Armed Forces and Rose Bowl and toast Josh from the 209 in this final college football pod of the season.
Insider J Torchio and repeat pod offender Chris Hawkins break down the Armed Forces and Rose Bowl and toast Josh from the 209 in this final college football pod of the season.
Redshirt Senior Malcolm Brogdon and head coach Tony Bennett have the Cavaliers ranked 5th in the nation through ten games. (photo by Mitch Stringer)
By Connor Buestad | Connor@Section925.com
For anyone who has been around Cuonzo Martin, heard him talk in a press conference, or even just watched him patrol the sidelines on television, he certainly has never come across as a man who is risk adverse or afraid of a challenge. The East St. Louis native and cancer survivor seems to radiate confidence and a killer instinct whenever he sets foot in the gym. On Tuesday night in Virginia, Coach Martin will have himself one of the biggest challenges he could expect to find in regular season major college basketball. And he couldn’t be happier to accept it.
Surely, when Coach Martin circled December 22nd on his calendar, he expected his Bears would be flying out to Virginia as a ranked team. Unfortunately, CAL’s nationally hyped, high-flying attack has weathered some turbulence through the first third of the season. Largely due to an inability to break down zone defenses with dependable outside shooting options, the Bears find themselves south of the top-25, without a victory against a ranked opponent.
Tuesday night in front of a nationally televised audience (ESPN2, 6pm) will be just the kind of resume building opportunity coach Martin is searching for at this point in the year. It will come against a top-5 team in Virginia. A team many are expecting to win the stacked ACC and have a good shot at reaching the Final Four in Houston. Vegas experts are expecting the home Cavaliers to win by a comfortable 12-point margin.
It should be interesting to see CAL play the role of underdog for the first time this season. At least on paper, the Bears have one of the most talented teams in the country and were granted a top 15 ranking to begin the year. But with losses to San Diego State and Richmond, as well as close calls against Wyoming, St. Mary’s and even the University of the Incarnate Word, CAL has been humbled early. Now with less than 12 weeks until Selection Sunday, it’s about time the Bears put the engine into high gear if they expect to do any sort of damage come March.
As mentioned, CAL’s woes have largely stemmed from a lack of shooting touch. For starters, freshman phenom Jaylen Brown has only managed to knock down nine 3-pointers during the first 11 games. Senior Tyrone Wallace leads the team in scoring with 16ppg, but has only made 60% of his free throws. As a whole, against a soft schedule, CAL has only shot 33% from three point land. By now, teams are consistently sitting back in zone defenses, forcing the Bears to slow down and prove their ability to knock down shots from distance.
On the bright side, Coach Martin’s team has proven they can get stops on defense and their offense has been spread out among many weapons, with all five starters routinely finishing in double figures. On top of that, CAL’s overall speed and athleticism has been spectacular to watch at times. The Bears will need to tap into this raw talent when they take the floor on Tuesday night.
Cuonzo Martin is in his second season in Berkeley after finding success at both Missouri State and the University of Tennessee. (photo by Ezra Shaw)
In a somewhat quiet, methodical way, University of Virginia head coach Tony Bennett has turned the Cavaliers into a basketball power. Traditionally an also-ran in the ACC, Bennett has lead UVA to back-to-back 30-win seasons in Charlottesville. This is an eye-popping accomplishment when you consider Bennett’s league schedule consists of Duke, North Carolina, Syracuse, and Louisville. Somehow, Bennett was able to guide his squad to a 16-2 record in the ACC last year, all without one McDonald’s All-American on his roster (CAL currently sports three).
Before moving east, Tony Bennett took over for his dad Dick Bennett at Washington State. Challenged with the task of recruiting and winning in Pullman, Bennett was still able to find success and was eventually courted by an ACC school. Fast forward seven years and Bennett is one of the hottest young coaches in basketball, making more than $2 million a year and challenging the likes of Krzyzewski, Boeheim, Pitino, and Williams year in and year out.
Bennett’s 2015-16 Cavaliers are extremely skilled and experienced, led primarily by senior guard Malcolm Brogdon and senior forward Anthony Gill. Brogdon, who goes by the nickname “Humble Moses” leads the team in scoring with 17-a-game while shooting above 40% from 3-point land.
Athletic, skilled and well coached, the Cavaliers will pose the toughest challenge for Coach Martin’s Bears so far this season, if not all year. Will this road test expose CAL as an over-hyped team who doesn’t quite know how to utilize its widespread talent? Or, perhaps the Bears will use the opportunity to show the Andy Katz’s and Joe Lundardi’s of the world that Berkeley hoops is deserving of some hype after all. One has to believe Coach Martin will have his team ready for the bright lights and the big challenge that awaits in ACC country.
Jabari Bird and the rest of the CAL Bears must connect from distance if they expect to beat fifth ranked UVA. (photo by Ezra Shaw)
This new Mission Bay arena next to UCSF medical center would potentially open for the Warriors' 2018-19 season. (Photo via MANICA Architecture)
By Julian O’Donnell (Sec925 High School Correspondent)
When I first heard about the Golden State Warriors’ plan to build a new state-of-the-art arena in downtown San Francisco, I was ecstatic. They were finally going to be moving back under the bright lights of San Francisco, inside a brand new building that could help attract the best free agents in the NBA.
This arena, which will seat 18,000 fans, will be built a few blocks south of AT&T Park in the Mission Bay district, a rapidly developing area of San Francisco. On paper, it looks like an illustrious plan and seems like the right move for an organization that deserves to put arguably the best team in the NBA into a potentially top-of-the-line arena.
Yet, as the plan gained more traction, critics began to condemn the proposed plan. Although I originally looked at these protests as attempts to prevent my favorite team from moving to San Francisco, I soon came to consider these questions as actual problems that would arise in building this new arena.
The most important issue that stands in the way of this project is the concern of traffic, and the added congestion it will bring to San Francisco. I drive into San Francisco often, and the traffic is suffocating, especially on the freeways you merge into one once you hit downtown. One of the many reasons for this sudden influx of people in the city is because of new businesses, mainly tech companies that are moving their offices into the downtown district of San Francisco.
On one hand, the rush of workers into the city is beneficial as it generates economic and structural development. Yet, when you are bringing a business, such as the Golden State Warriors, into San Francisco, you are adding more people to the second most densely populated city in America behind New York City. It has a capacity limit that it is drawing closer every year.
Another problematic reason for building this arena is the loss of loyal fans from the East Bay who have supported the team through thick and thin. The congestion that a new arena brings to a city repels fans from the East Bay who are trying to get into a city that is gridlocked. Two hours to get into San Francisco? Not many fans would be willing to do that.
Will the Warriors be able to duplicate the energy inside "Roaracle" if and when they move to SF? (photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant)
With a loss of fans who have become synonymous with the Warriors brand, the team might play differently with a new fan base. So why change an arrangement that has worked out so well in recent years? The answer lies in economic growth.
Despite the negatives of building this arena, it will promote even more growth for an economy that changes everyday with the influx of businesses. The monetary benefits will trickle down and benefit many, just as it did with the Giants and AT&T Park up the street.
Before the Giants moved into their present ballpark, that area was lifeless. It was used as a dump, and served no purpose in the city. Building the ballpark in this “dead area” let businesses grow in the surrounding plots of land, which were deemed desolate as well.
Now looking at that area, you would never guess it was once a ignored corner of the city. With restaurants, housing, and places of business, the area surrounding AT&T Park is booming and that is what the owners of the Warriors want to happen, a stadium that will grow the area surrounding it.
So where does that leave us?
The Golden State Warriors have just bought the piece of land that will be used to build the arena. We can all assume construction will begin shortly. Now, a countdown to the end of Oracle Arena will have to begin.
I think it is worthy to note that the initial drawings of the new arena, although very modern and sleek, remind me very much of a toilet. Could this be a sign of things to come for this project? Maybe.
In spite of all my critiques of the new arena, I have to welcome the project with an open mind. The best team in the NBA will be moving into the one of the smallest cities in America. For the sake of everybody, I hope this turns out all right.
Julian O'Donnell is a staff writer for The Acalanes Blueprint in Lafayette, California. Find more of his work here.
Section925's Tripper Ortman caught up with members of the Campolindo Cougars at their 2015 State Championship Media Day. Campo is headed back to the title game looking to repeat as champs versus a favored La Mirada team from outside of Los Angeles.
OT Sterling Strother, assistant coach Matt Keeperman, RB/LB Jack Cassidy, head coach Kevin Macy, and DB Devin Regan all appear on the show. Campo vs. La Mirada will take place on Saturday night at 6pm at a southern California stadium to be determined.
Brett Thomas welcomes in Saint Mary's radio broadcaster Alex Jensen for the first edition of "The Battery." Brett and Alex discuss the Dubs' streak, then delve into Saturday's SMC-CAL game and more.
Former CAL basketball player and coach Jon Wheeler returns to the show to offer his hoop insight. Wheeler shares stories about his days on the court with Sean Elliott, Reggie Miller and Steve Kerr. JW also previews Saturday's St. Mary's at California game in Berkeley.
First time host Jason Chiang dials up Dubs season ticket holder Brendan Wright to discuss Golden State's historic start.
Evan Raskin re-joins Connor for a Small Batch Podcast on the College Football Playoffs. Raskin gives us his snap take on the four teams involved and shares how he sees the New Year's Eve bowl games shaking out:
Steph Curry poured in 40 points in the Warriors' 20th consecutive win on Wednesday night in Charlotte. (photo by Nell Redmond)
Former CAL basketball player and coach and current Section925 Insider Jon Wheeler comes inside the Hoop Cave to talk Dubs, Bears and Saint Mary's Gaels early season roundball.
Antioch junior Najee Harris will play his college ball at Alabama, but first he'd like a shot at De La Salle in the NCS Championship. (Doug Duran)
By Connor Buestad | Connor@Section925.com
Thanksgiving has arrived and with it comes copious amounts of food and football to consume over the next few days. Starting with your backyard game with Uncle Larry, to the Cam Newton Show in Dallas, to rivalry week in the college ranks, this long weekend is about as close as one gets to a pigskin paradise.
Fortunately for Bay Area football junkies, there will be more to talk about over your Turkey Day spread than the Raiders three game losing streak or CAL’s disappointing second half of the season in Berkeley. Instead, feel free to read below and get up to speed on the high school football scene. The North Coast Section playoffs are in full swing, with teams all over the area providing enticing final four matchups both tomorrow and Saturday at a field near you.
Oakland Section Playoffs -- Silver Bowl Championship No. 1 McClymonds (11-0) vs. No. 2 Fremont (6-5) 3pm Friday at Laney College
Well let’s call an audible from the jump here and discuss a game that is neither a final four tilt, nor an NCS game. Instead, it’s the Silver Bowl, which crowns the champion of the Oakland Athletic League. These OAL teams don’t participate in the traditional NCS bracket, but the winner will likely earn a spot in the state championship bracket that culminates at Sacramento State this year.
As one can imagine, the Silver Bowl has quite the rich history. A game that traditionally was played at the Oakland Coliseum saw the likes of Marshawn Lynch enjoy coming out parties in front of East Bay faithful. Today, some argue that OAL football has lost a step, and the Silver Bowl now is played in more humble digs at Laney College, north of the Coliseum.
Mack comes into this game riding an impressive five game Silver Bowl winning streak, so the safe money is certainly on the Warriors in this one. That said, Mack only beat Fremont 7-0 earlier this season, so an upset isn't out of the question.
McClymonds has been no stranger to controversy over the last two seasons. Last year, Danville native Kevin Davidson decided to commute to West Oakland to play for Mack, where he put up staggering numbers and earned a scholarship to UC Davis. It wasn’t long, however, that he was ruled ineligible due to zoning issues and had to return to San Ramon Valley for his senior season.
This year, Mack assistant coach De’Carlos Anderson was filmed on a team bus getting into a heated altercation with a player. Even still, head coach Michael Peters has guided his team to a perfect record in 2015 and they seem poised for their sixth Silver Bowl victory.
NCS Playoffs Division 1 Semifinal: No. 4 Pittsburgh (10-2) at No. 1 De La Salle (10-1) 7pm Friday in Concord
So now to the North Coast Section and who better to start with than De La Salle? The Spartans began the year ranked number 1 in the entire nation, only to lose their first game. Granted, it was on the road in Texas versus powerhouse Trinity, but De La certainly doesn’t accept any kind of losing. Young coach Justin Alumbaugh quickly circled the wagons and the Spartans easily reeled off 10 impressive wins in a row, including a 52-6 drubbing of Long Beach Poly, a team dripping with D1 and even NFL prospects.
On the other side of the ball is Pittsburg, a team all too accustomed to the top-to-bottom strength of De La Salle. This would be a monumental upset for Pitt to pull off, especially considering their losses to Monte Viste and Antioch already this year. If Pittsburgh expects to have a chance, running back Montaz Thompson and wideout Jordan Parker must have career days in Concord.
NCS Playoffs Division 1 Semifinal: No. 3 Foothill (11-0) at No. 2 Antioch (11-0) 7pm Saturday at Antioch HS
On the other side of the Division 1 bracket, we have a very enticing matchup of two 11-0 teams in Foothill and Antioch.
The player to watch in this one is Antioch’s junior running back Najee Harris, owner of 33 touchdowns already this year. Just like current Alabama Crimson Tide star Derrick Henry, the gifted Antioch running back also wears number 2 and lets dreads flow out the back of his helmet. At 6’2” – 222lbs, Harris is a can’t-miss back that seamlessly mixes speed and power. Surely, it would be a treat to see him face off with De La Salle’s heralded defense in the D1 NCS final.
NCS Playoffs Division 2 Semifinal: No. 3 Concord (8-4) at No. 2 Miramonte (11-1) 7pm Saturday in Orinda
Jack Schram’s Miramonte Matadors have put together an impressive 11-1 season, their only blemish coming to defending state champion Campolindo. Traditionally speaking, the Mats wouldn’t think twice about beating Concord, but this is not your father’s Minutemen. Concord has been red-hot as of late, with Harold Tidwell leading the way from the running back position. In three of their last four games, the Minutemen have managed to put up 50 points or more. It will be up to Miramonte’s Tim Tague (QB) and Clayton Stehr (RB) to keep the Concord offense off the field.
NCS Playoffs Division 2 Semifinal: No. 4 Granada (6-6) at No. 1 Clayton Valley Charter (10-1) 7pm Friday at Clayton Valley
The Clayton Valley Ugly Eagles lost in the State Championship game last year at the StubHub Center and are eager to get back. Their offense has been bit by the injury bug, but a strong defense should propel them past a six loss Granada team.
NCS Playoffs Division 3 Semifinal: No. 4 Bishop O’ Dowd (7-5) at No. 1 Campolindo (11-1) 7pm Friday in Moraga
Campolindo’s dramatic, come-from-behind victory in last year’s State Title game over El Capitan will go down as one of the best amateur football games in Bay Area history. Just ask 49ers veteran beat writer Matt Maiocco, who watched the heroics from the bowels of Levi’s Stadium.
Kevin Macy has a hungry team back for another championship run in 2015, their only loss coming on the road at Napa 21-14. Their next test will be the Dragons of O’ Dowd, the private school in Oakland more known for their basketball program as of late. Jacob Westphal leads the Campo offense under center, flanked by junior running backs Matt Ringquist and Nikki Moore. The Cougar defense is anchored by Jack Cassiday and Devin Regan. The winner of this one will meet either Analy (Sebastapol) or Rancho Cotate (Rohnert Park) in the NCS D3 final.
NCS Playoffs Division 4 Semifinal: No. 4 Moreau Catholic (11-1) at No. 1 Marin Catholic (10-1) 1pm Saturday in Kentfield
Even with the success of NFL prospect Jared Goff, the Wildcats of Marin Catholic are still keeping it old school and playing afternoon playoff games in Kentfield. Even without Friday night lights, Marin Catholic continues to churn out great quarterbacks. Their current QB is Darius Peterson, who unlike Goff, is just as comfortable running the ball as he is sitting in the pocket. Just like O’ Dowd, Moreau is more known for their basketball prowess, but running back Jullen Ison’s six TD’s in last weekend’s playoff game has the Mariners thinking ‘Ship. The winner of this one will face Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa) or Fortuna in the D4 Final.
(Make sure to follow @Section925 on twitter, instagram, facebook and snapchat for updates on big moments in Bay Area sports)
With their 111-77 rout of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Warriors became the first NBA team in history to begin a season 16-0. Relive the special night at Oracle with this photo essay. Photographers include Thearon W. Henderson, Doug Duran and Ray Chavez.
Jabari Bird is one of five Golden Bears averaging double figures (photo by Tony Avelar)
By Connor Buestad | Connor@Section925.com
In keeping with preseason hype and expectations, the 2015-2016 Golden Bears basketball team has not disappointed through the first four games. They’ve played a cupcake schedule thus far no doubt, but reassuringly, the Bears have yet to show any chinks in their armor en route to a flawless start in Berkeley.
Still yet to play on the road, Cuonzo Martin’s collection of youthful talent has breezed through the likes of Rice, Santa Barbara, East Carolina and Sam Houston State, none of which ever seemed to pose much of a threat. Martin’s starting five of Tyrone Wallace, Jordan Mathews, Jabari Bird, Ivan Rabb and Jaylen Brown have shared the ball beautifully thus far with each of the starters averaging double figures.
Wallace has led the Bears in scoring with 20-a-game, followed by future first rounder Brown. Wallace has racked up the assists as well, mostly due to the fact that weapons constantly seem to be open for the senior guard to pick and chose from.
Now with time under their belts to take off the training wheels, the ultra-competitive Martin is chomping at the bit to put his team up against some formidable competition. He’ll get to do so on Thanksgiving night at the Orleans Casino-Arena in Las Vegas versus San Diego State.
Thursday night’s Turkey Day special will air on Fox Sports 1, and pit upstart Coach Martin against 70-year-old Steve Fisher. Fisher has been at San Diego State for well over a decade now, but still is best known for his Fab-5 teams during his days in Ann Arbor. The Aztecs were picked to win the Mountain West a few weeks ago, but losses at Utah and at home to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) have some wondering if Fisher is finally losing his edge. Regardless, Martin insists he’s seen SDSU play (see interview below) and expects them to be “physical, athletic, and long,” especially on defense. Malik Pope and his signature flat-top seems to be a sure-fire first round pick. Expect more than a few dunks in this one to accompany your pumpkin pie.
Assuming the Bears win on Thursday, CAL will match up with Bob “Huggy Bear” Huggins a day later in the two day tourney’s championship game (assuming WVU beats Richmond). A member of the very tough Big-12, the Mountaineers have nobody on their roster over 6’9." It’s safe to expect a run-and-gun affair in this one against the Bears’ equally small lineup, so take the over if you’re in Sin City giving thanks over the weekend.
“Press Virginia” as people like to call Huggy’s squad made it to the Sweet 16 last year, before bowing out to Kentucky. Devin Williams in an inside-outside threat, Jevon Carter is a pest on defense and Esa Ahmad was Ohio’s High School Player of the Year. Perhaps most importantly, Huggins will feel right at home screaming his head off on a Las Vegas sideline.
Expect the Bears to return to the East Bay with a 6-0 record, along with a Las Vegas trophy to add to the case. Enjoy Thanksgiving, but save some room for the Bears.
(Photo by Stephen Dunn)
Long time listener, first-time caller Evan Raskin makes his first appearance on the Bianca's Fresh Take Hotline to talk hoops with Connor. Raskin briefly discusses his days on Tobacco Road, hypes the 12-0 Warriors, bashes Doc Rivers and tells us what to look for around the NBA.
J Torchio (#11) beat John Elway in the 1980 Big Game.John Tuggle (#31) was the subject of ESPN's 30for30 "The Irrelevant Giant." (photo courtesy of Steve Oldenbourg)
Big Game Pod! Former Cal QB J Torchio and Stanford LB Chris Hawkins join @Tripperino inside the Podcenter for a point-counterpoint on the 2015 Big Game and reflections on their favorite Big Game memories.
No. 14 CAL's season opener is Friday night vs. the Rice Owls. (Photo by John Polzer of calbears.com)
By Connor Buestad | Connor@Section925.com
Let’s start with some perspective: In the modern era of college basketball, we’ll say after 1960, CAL basketball has appeared in the Sweet 16 just twice. Not once have they marched their way into the Elite Eight. 55 years later, the CAL basketball program is being described around the nation as a shoo-in to make the Round of 16, with realistic expectations of a Final Four run. Loaded with a starting lineup consisting of three potential NBA first rounders, a coach with a proven thirst for winning, and a fan base overdue for success, the vibe has never been better along Bancroft Way.
In his first year at the helm in Berkeley, head coach Cuonzo Martin led a relatively young group of Bears to a 7-11 mark in PAC-12 play. With the return of Jordan Mathews and Jabari Bird, Coach Martin figured to have a solid core to work around for the 2015-16 campaign. Get one year bigger and stronger, sprinkle in some talented freshmen and go at it in year two. That’s the narrative most Old Blues expected to unfold. What happened next, no one could have predicted.
First, Tyrone Wallace announced he would be returning for his senior year. How Cuonzo convinced Mr. Wallace to stay is anyone’s guess. The 6’5” point guard has been described by NBA scouts as someone ready for the League. He averaged over 17 points last year in a tough PAC-12. Most expected him to move on to greener pastures, but Cuonzo convinced him otherwise. The first domino had fallen.
With senior facilitator Wallace committed for one more year, Cuonzo set off into the deep dark waters of big time college basketball recruiting in search of the biggest fish he could find. His SEC roots led him first to Georgia, where he fell in love with All-Everything Jaylen Brown. A top-five blue chip recruit destined for the NBA. A player the likes of Coach K and Calipari and Izzo all salivate over. The type of player that doesn’t move to Berkeley to play amateur basketball for a year. Cuonzo still went after him.
Yet no matter how thick of a sales pitch Coach Martin had up his sleeve, he would need one more piece of bait to reel in a player of his stature. Namely a top-10 national recruit that could help clean the glass, distract the defense and catch lobs for 40 minutes a night. That’s where Ivan Rabb came in.
At 6’11” and skilled, Rabb too had options of his own. Virtually any school in the country was clamoring for his services, namely the Arizona Wildcats. Young Ivan was still undecided when he took the floor of the California State Championship Game vs. So-Cal power Mater Dei. Conveniently, the Saturday night game was played inside Haas Pavilion, in front of a loud, passionate crowd not only rooting for a Bishop O’ Dowd win, but to “Beat L.A.” Rabb clearly enjoyed the atmosphere, winning the game in the final seconds with a clutch free-throw and bringing his Oakland high school their first state title in 34 years. As students and fans rushed the floor to celebrate the triumph, you could almost see Ivan thinking, “Hey, I could really get used to this whole scene.”
Days later, Rabb signed on to be a Bear, spurning Arizona in the eleventh hour. Now with his first big fish in the ice chest, Cuonzo got greedy and went looking for more. If the best player in the nation in Ben Simmons signed with LSU, maybe Cuonzo could convince Jaylen Brown to come to CAL.
When Cuonzo Martin speaks, people listen. (Photo by John Polzer)
How Cuonzo really convinced Brown to pick CAL is tough to tell. Some point to the fact that Cuonzo had a relationship with him during his days at Tennessee. Others claim that Shareef Abdur-Rahim, a graduate of Brown's Georgia high school, played a major role. What we do know, is that Brown took an unexpected unofficial visit to Berkeley (Brown had to pay) and took a look around the Bay Area and sat down with Coach Martin. Kentucky, North Carolina and Michigan all bent over backward for the ultra-athletic swingman. But, out of nowhere, Jaylen Brown announced he would be taking his talents to Berkeley.
Suddenly, CAL boasted a starting five with three McDonald’s All-Americans (Brown, Rabb, and Bird), as well as two future pros (Wallace and Mathews). After the dust settled from Martin’s unprecedented recruiting haul, Martin said simply, “You work hard, do your job to the best of your ability and it goes back to building relationships over time. Then sometimes you’re blessed with a gift.”
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If looking at the history of CAL basketball tells us anything, it’s that talent matters a whole lot. Certainly, having phenomenal coaches like Lou Campanelli and Mike Montgomery is a blessing and a backbone for any basketball program. But, as most coaches will tell you, it’s the players on the floor that makes the most impact. When Todd Bozeman led the Bears past Duke into the Sweet 16 in 1993, he was only 29-years-old. Surely, Jason Kidd and Lamond Murray were running that show. In ‘97, the last time CAL made the Sweet 16, Ben Braun was in just his first year at CAL. Safe to say Ed Gray, Tony Gonzalez, Alfred Grigsby and Randy Duck were mainly responsible for that run. As these coaches logged more experience in Berkeley, they didn’t necessarily have more success. Talent was the not-so-secret sauce.
Cuonzo Martin seems to understand this trend, judging by the way he’s pursued the best talent in the country to set up his program for success. It also doesn’t hurt that CAL’s second year head coach was a star player himself at Purdue alongside Big Dog Glenn Robinson. Neither does it hurt that he learned to coach under Gene Keady, played in the NBA, beat cancer, and navigated the mean streets of East Saint Louis as a youth. As a head coach, Cuonzo has taken struggling programs in Missouri State and Tennessee and put them back on solid ground. He’s already done exactly that during his short stint in Berkeley.
The new-look Bears will officially take the floor for the first time together this Friday night at home versus Rice. Ranked 14th in the nation, most hoop pundits foresee a second place finish in the PAC-12 for the Bears behind mainstay Arizona. The main question marks surrounding CAL are whether they will be able to share the ball and defend consistently. Critics also wonder how accurate Jaylen Brown will shoot and how strong Ivan Rabb will be in the paint.
Most of these questions will be answered during CAL’s non-conference schedule starting this weekend. This Monday the Bears will host UC Santa Barbara of the Big West and over Thanksgiving they will square off with San Diego State former Fab-Five head coach Steve Fisher. Most likely, CAL will meet Bob Huggins and West Virginia on day two of their Las Vegas’ T-Day tourney. Other notable non-conference games include a mid-December home game vs. St. Mary’s of Moraga, an ESPN televised roadie at Virginia, and a post Christmas game against Steph Curry’s alma mater Davidson.
Barring a disaster, CAL will be firmly in the mix when Selection Sunday rolls around in March. If all goes according to plan, the Bears will own a favorable seed heading into the Big Dance, with plenty of late-night SportsCenter highlights already under their belt. As every CAL fan can attest, what will happen in postseason play is tough to tell. God knows Bears supporters have endured their share of heartbreaking seasons (the 2015 Bears Football recent four game skid comes to mind). But will the talent Cuonzo Martin has assembled in Berkeley (he even added Steve Kerr’s son for good measure), the sky really is the limit in Berkeley.
"For the love of elevation." Jaylen Brown will wear #0 in Berkeley.
Peter Vogt, Director of "The Play" movie and Steve Dunn, #3 on the field during The Play, come into the Section925 Podcenter to reminisce about The Play and the making of the film. Go to theplaymovie.com for tickets, to download a copy, or order a DVD.
(Special thanks to Executive Producer Dagmar Ortman for making the podcast possible.)
A legendary play that has become part of the lore of college football celebrates its 25th anniversary! Go Bears!!! Visit http://CalBears.com for tickets and information
