The fact that we are even talking about Cal MBB is meaningful progress in itself! I haven’t looked forward to any game in years so this state of being even potentially relevant is a good feeling.
The level of skepticism about MBB by some commenters is sad but understandable given past futility. However, I think many folks are under-estimating this team. The non-conference results are not equivalent to the football non-conference hooplah. I could see during the first game that this team is much improved and, actullay, one of the best we've had in ages. A more difficult non-conference schedule would have been stupid given the difficulty of the conference lineup. Some of the teams we played were actually pretty good (or, at the least, played exceptionally well in Berkeley); only a couple of teams were ostensibly weak.
Bold prediction: Lousiville loses at Haas. It will be like the Christmas spirit at the end of Elf. People will finally believe. Go Bears.
With the emergence of TT Carr and given Pippen stays healthy, we have a shot. We don't need massive offensive contributions by Dorsey; we just need him to play high level defense and shoot efficiently from deep, when the opportunity arises (which he has done really well, of late). We need Ilic to rebound and assist, and clean up stuff near the rim. If those things continue to happen, we'll be in good shape. Petraitis would definitely help though.
Does he have a “lower body injury” like the football team likes to describe injuries that wish players into the cornfield? Or does the hoop team actually tell us what it really wrong?
Thanks Nick. Good win - and wins are ALL that matter right now. While you don’t want to make a habit of this kind of OOC slate, after a decade of basic administrative incompetence and total national irrelevance, what is most important to stabilize the program and continue the rebuild are wins and a post-season appearance. Given the lack of quality depth against an ACC schedule, the NIT is more likely, and would be fantastic. It would both show tangible progress and be a great selling point for Coach Madsen to potential season ticket holders, donors, fans and most importantly, recruits.
Newellbany and I broke down a possible path to the Tournament if you could get to 12-1….
v. LOU (L)
v. ND (must win)
@ UVA (L)
@ Va Tech (must win???)
v. Duke (L)
v. UNC (L)
@ STAN (L)
@ FSU (must win - swing game)
@ MIA (L)
v Ga Tech (must win)
v. CLEM (must win)
@ SYR (L)
@ BC (must win)
v STAN (must win)
v SMU (must win)
v PITT (must win)
@ Ga Tech (huge swing game)
@ WFU (must win swing game)
If you can win 8 of the must haves, they’re probably bubble….likely on outside come Selection Sunday. 9-9 closer to the right side of the cut line.
The team needs more fan support at games. I can understand why folks abandoned the program after the ineptitude of the prior administration but those dark years are over. More butts in seats and season ticket sales will elevate the program.
Cal MBB sits at 44 in the NET rankings right now, definitely in bubble territory, and this year's ACC provides opportunities for good wins. We'll have a real shot to go dancing.
To even be in this position is great, after all the lifeless seasons since Cuonzo left. I also tend to think this is more like an NIT team (which would also still be a big improvement!), but if they really gel and start playing better they can get to the NCAAs.
Well, here we go into conference play. That non conference schedule was pathetic. I don’t thing you can get a gauge on how good or bad this team is, after that. That non conference schedule has to be better in the future, doesn’t help anyone. Anyway, we are about to find out, if this team is real or not in ACC play. The team looks better than last year, more balance and better defense. However, the lack of quality opponents reminds me of CAL football, o by the way , they should have never cancelled the byu home and home, that’s a discussion for another day. Let’s hope conference play, will be better in basketball and the wheels don’t fall off. Go Bears.
The fact that we are even talking about Cal MBB is meaningful progress in itself! I haven’t looked forward to any game in years so this state of being even potentially relevant is a good feeling.
💯
The level of skepticism about MBB by some commenters is sad but understandable given past futility. However, I think many folks are under-estimating this team. The non-conference results are not equivalent to the football non-conference hooplah. I could see during the first game that this team is much improved and, actullay, one of the best we've had in ages. A more difficult non-conference schedule would have been stupid given the difficulty of the conference lineup. Some of the teams we played were actually pretty good (or, at the least, played exceptionally well in Berkeley); only a couple of teams were ostensibly weak.
Bold prediction: Lousiville loses at Haas. It will be like the Christmas spirit at the end of Elf. People will finally believe. Go Bears.
Beating Louisville would be great. Hope you’re right - gonna be tough without Rytis.
With the emergence of TT Carr and given Pippen stays healthy, we have a shot. We don't need massive offensive contributions by Dorsey; we just need him to play high level defense and shoot efficiently from deep, when the opportunity arises (which he has done really well, of late). We need Ilic to rebound and assist, and clean up stuff near the rim. If those things continue to happen, we'll be in good shape. Petraitis would definitely help though.
Did you say he might be out of the season? Is this true?
That’s the rumor…hopefully it’s inaccurate. No return-to-practice date is set, and that’s the concern.
Does he have a “lower body injury” like the football team likes to describe injuries that wish players into the cornfield? Or does the hoop team actually tell us what it really wrong?
Teams don't give out detailed injury information due to privacy concerns (FERPA)
Thanks Nick. Good win - and wins are ALL that matter right now. While you don’t want to make a habit of this kind of OOC slate, after a decade of basic administrative incompetence and total national irrelevance, what is most important to stabilize the program and continue the rebuild are wins and a post-season appearance. Given the lack of quality depth against an ACC schedule, the NIT is more likely, and would be fantastic. It would both show tangible progress and be a great selling point for Coach Madsen to potential season ticket holders, donors, fans and most importantly, recruits.
Newellbany and I broke down a possible path to the Tournament if you could get to 12-1….
v. LOU (L)
v. ND (must win)
@ UVA (L)
@ Va Tech (must win???)
v. Duke (L)
v. UNC (L)
@ STAN (L)
@ FSU (must win - swing game)
@ MIA (L)
v Ga Tech (must win)
v. CLEM (must win)
@ SYR (L)
@ BC (must win)
v STAN (must win)
v SMU (must win)
v PITT (must win)
@ Ga Tech (huge swing game)
@ WFU (must win swing game)
If you can win 8 of the must haves, they’re probably bubble….likely on outside come Selection Sunday. 9-9 closer to the right side of the cut line.
The team needs more fan support at games. I can understand why folks abandoned the program after the ineptitude of the prior administration but those dark years are over. More butts in seats and season ticket sales will elevate the program.
Cal MBB sits at 44 in the NET rankings right now, definitely in bubble territory, and this year's ACC provides opportunities for good wins. We'll have a real shot to go dancing.
To even be in this position is great, after all the lifeless seasons since Cuonzo left. I also tend to think this is more like an NIT team (which would also still be a big improvement!), but if they really gel and start playing better they can get to the NCAAs.
Well, here we go into conference play. That non conference schedule was pathetic. I don’t thing you can get a gauge on how good or bad this team is, after that. That non conference schedule has to be better in the future, doesn’t help anyone. Anyway, we are about to find out, if this team is real or not in ACC play. The team looks better than last year, more balance and better defense. However, the lack of quality opponents reminds me of CAL football, o by the way , they should have never cancelled the byu home and home, that’s a discussion for another day. Let’s hope conference play, will be better in basketball and the wheels don’t fall off. Go Bears.