Great story, thanks. This is exactly what interests me, and to the extent the media is able to ask questions about things like this, both privately and publicly, then stories like this give us insights into what really makes the difference between winning and losing for many teams. The talent differential is overdone. Oregon State in football kicked ass without having a roster that had a bunch of stars.
Thanks for the write-up! It seems like story of the season on the stat sheet is turnovers, which consistently improved. Then even during low points of individual games later in the year, we were committing turnovers during those stretches. And I don't doubt there is a correlation between turnovers and the intangible concept of team chemistry.
Post-ASU game revelations aside, what I really liked recently, which I saw turn on during the Oregon game, is the intensity. It felt like there was an inflection point during that game itself, where we turned it up and made Oregon work for every point. And if we continue to see that intensity this is no longer a team that occasionally flashes and overperforms, but a flat out good team who is capable of making noise in the p12 tournament.. and that bodes really well for next season.
Some of it is just being on the positive side of luck, for a change.
One thing I have noticed is that, on defense, we are not losing tracks of three point shooters as much off the double team down low. Defense is definitely a big part of the turnaround (IMO).
One of the key things about defense is that it’s a lot about trust in your teammates and knowing that when you are looking for help from the correct place it shows up - and if you step in the help on a player, your teammate is there to take over your just abandoned duties. NBA writer Zach Lowe talks a lot about defensive teams “playing on a string” and you always hear coaches and trainers talk about helping the helpers. If there is no unity in your team and you are not playing for each other - no amount of scheme or individual defensive skill/desire will work. Offensive players are too good - communication and trust are incredibly important here - and what we’re seeing is the same players with the same skill but now they trust each other and know where each other will be.
Trust is woven into the fabric of a team as well as running a collegiate basketball ball team. It starts with Mark Madsen trusting the process needed to take us from where we were to where we are now. I for one came into this season not expecting much other than the patching of the ship and getting it headed in the right direction. Despite significant injuries to key players and frustrating performances early on the team had to learn to trust the coaching staff. In some cases these can small things like how a coach responds to a player makes a mistake or even reads the action a split second late. Jaylon Tysons go to quote is “Coach is an everyday guy”. I take to mean he shows up and is consistent in terms of support and keeping players accountable. In this crucible, the players found each other. There was a great comment about not being fazed when the Bears would fall behind. This last weekend perfect example. After witnessing moments or even periods of sloppy 1st half action, we shrug it off trusting the coaches and players will find a way back in the 2nd half.
I would love to know the question that brought out the players response about this meeting.
It's in the linked youtube recording of the comments. But it was not really a response to a specific question. It was more a culmination from several questions. They were both asked questions about growth throughout the season, room for improvement, carrying the momentum forward, etc.... Then at about 3:00 mark, Jaylon starts talking about the remaining games, at around 3:30 segues back into his "divided locker room" statement as a reflection of how they've grown. And it went from there. Nothing really nefarious, just a look back to where they were - and where they can continue to go.
I've noticed that certain Warriors, won't name who, sometimes don't rotate when Draymond goes to help. Leads to cuts or open putbacks. Last night Dray got pissed because someone didn't rotate.
It's always hard to accurately attribute locker room culture to results. But if the players believe it, then it's true. Credit to the players and Madsen for finding a way.
Tyson has a a good dose of the intangible "it" that star players and team leaders have. Of course professional basketball is difficult and I don't know what his skill ceiling is. But he has "it."
I’m puzzled that you would headline a past loss when last week was an Oregon SWEEP of both the state’s schools. Quite a remarkable achievement to beat Oregon anytime ! They DID it ! Rejoice !
I think they're just complimenting the team on their improved play after the ASU loss. Something changed for the better then.
For the last few years under Fox we constantly looked for any sign of turnaround or growth but saw nothing. But we're seeing much more resilience and growth this year. So that's a credit to Mark's coaching or the players he brought in.
That's the turning point after losing to ASU. Tyson becomes a floor leader while the other players improve in contributing their scores. They click late in this season. Cone, Celestine, and the other players made their murdering three-point scores so far. They believe in themselves as great players. Madsen, I love him, is a good coach, and his charisma attracts a lot of fans in Harmon Arena. Go Bears
I take it on faith that if the players and coach say that the post-ASU meeting was the turning point, then it is true. No one is in a position to know more than they are. Great, insightful and informative article, as usual.
Great story, thanks. This is exactly what interests me, and to the extent the media is able to ask questions about things like this, both privately and publicly, then stories like this give us insights into what really makes the difference between winning and losing for many teams. The talent differential is overdone. Oregon State in football kicked ass without having a roster that had a bunch of stars.
Thanks for the write-up! It seems like story of the season on the stat sheet is turnovers, which consistently improved. Then even during low points of individual games later in the year, we were committing turnovers during those stretches. And I don't doubt there is a correlation between turnovers and the intangible concept of team chemistry.
Post-ASU game revelations aside, what I really liked recently, which I saw turn on during the Oregon game, is the intensity. It felt like there was an inflection point during that game itself, where we turned it up and made Oregon work for every point. And if we continue to see that intensity this is no longer a team that occasionally flashes and overperforms, but a flat out good team who is capable of making noise in the p12 tournament.. and that bodes really well for next season.
I love watching this Cal basketball team play. It's fun to watch. Cal basketball is back. Peace in the comments section is also back.
Some of it is just being on the positive side of luck, for a change.
One thing I have noticed is that, on defense, we are not losing tracks of three point shooters as much off the double team down low. Defense is definitely a big part of the turnaround (IMO).
One of the key things about defense is that it’s a lot about trust in your teammates and knowing that when you are looking for help from the correct place it shows up - and if you step in the help on a player, your teammate is there to take over your just abandoned duties. NBA writer Zach Lowe talks a lot about defensive teams “playing on a string” and you always hear coaches and trainers talk about helping the helpers. If there is no unity in your team and you are not playing for each other - no amount of scheme or individual defensive skill/desire will work. Offensive players are too good - communication and trust are incredibly important here - and what we’re seeing is the same players with the same skill but now they trust each other and know where each other will be.
Trust is woven into the fabric of a team as well as running a collegiate basketball ball team. It starts with Mark Madsen trusting the process needed to take us from where we were to where we are now. I for one came into this season not expecting much other than the patching of the ship and getting it headed in the right direction. Despite significant injuries to key players and frustrating performances early on the team had to learn to trust the coaching staff. In some cases these can small things like how a coach responds to a player makes a mistake or even reads the action a split second late. Jaylon Tysons go to quote is “Coach is an everyday guy”. I take to mean he shows up and is consistent in terms of support and keeping players accountable. In this crucible, the players found each other. There was a great comment about not being fazed when the Bears would fall behind. This last weekend perfect example. After witnessing moments or even periods of sloppy 1st half action, we shrug it off trusting the coaches and players will find a way back in the 2nd half.
I would love to know the question that brought out the players response about this meeting.
Thank you Bentpawn for sharing this news with us
It's in the linked youtube recording of the comments. But it was not really a response to a specific question. It was more a culmination from several questions. They were both asked questions about growth throughout the season, room for improvement, carrying the momentum forward, etc.... Then at about 3:00 mark, Jaylon starts talking about the remaining games, at around 3:30 segues back into his "divided locker room" statement as a reflection of how they've grown. And it went from there. Nothing really nefarious, just a look back to where they were - and where they can continue to go.
I think all this speaks to Coach and his commitment to bringing in high character guys. Thx
I've noticed that certain Warriors, won't name who, sometimes don't rotate when Draymond goes to help. Leads to cuts or open putbacks. Last night Dray got pissed because someone didn't rotate.
It's always hard to accurately attribute locker room culture to results. But if the players believe it, then it's true. Credit to the players and Madsen for finding a way.
Tyson has a a good dose of the intangible "it" that star players and team leaders have. Of course professional basketball is difficult and I don't know what his skill ceiling is. But he has "it."
I’m puzzled that you would headline a past loss when last week was an Oregon SWEEP of both the state’s schools. Quite a remarkable achievement to beat Oregon anytime ! They DID it ! Rejoice !
Definite rejoicing! Also very nice to see the self-reflection evident in the players and coaches. It's a sign of good leadership.
I think they're just complimenting the team on their improved play after the ASU loss. Something changed for the better then.
For the last few years under Fox we constantly looked for any sign of turnaround or growth but saw nothing. But we're seeing much more resilience and growth this year. So that's a credit to Mark's coaching or the players he brought in.
That's the turning point after losing to ASU. Tyson becomes a floor leader while the other players improve in contributing their scores. They click late in this season. Cone, Celestine, and the other players made their murdering three-point scores so far. They believe in themselves as great players. Madsen, I love him, is a good coach, and his charisma attracts a lot of fans in Harmon Arena. Go Bears
I take it on faith that if the players and coach say that the post-ASU meeting was the turning point, then it is true. No one is in a position to know more than they are. Great, insightful and informative article, as usual.
Write ups like this are why I subscribe to Write for California. Thank you and Go Bears!
Concur! Thanks WFC Staff