It's the trajectory of the program that feels good right now. When Cuonzo had that average team on his way out, the trajectory felt down (though we did not know just how far down it could go!). This feels like we're heading up and that Madsen has a handle on things.
Excellent article. I forgot how much I missed the feeling of just “being in the mix”. I look at every bracketology update, constantly updating KenPom, barttorvik, scoreboard watching. It’s awesome, on top of the offense actually being watchable. Love the shooting on this team. Cannot wait for conference play
I really wanted that Ivan team to make the tournament and at least win their first round game after the horrible events of the NCAA the year before. He still is one of my fav Cal players
Great work! Yes, a return to mediocrity is welcomed after the long nightmare. Now onto greatness! Greatness to me is a tourney bid and at least a round of 32 finish.
Do you think that being an Average ACC team is going to be (generally) better than being an Average historical PAC-12 team? Seems like we’ve got a lot more exposure than we used to get.
In the old P10/P12, it was rare for middle of the road conference teams to get any Bubble love. There were years where 11-7 left you out of the conversation.
In the ACC, it is rare for middle of the road conference teams to NOT get any Bubble attention, and although it has happened recently it was more the exception than the rule. NC State made the Final 4 a few years back as a 2nd tier ACC team.
The fact that it's mid-December and we're even talking about a potential path to the Bubble is a sure sign of progress.
And in the ACC, barring a BAD loss OOC, 9-9 puts you on the Bubble. That rarely happened in the P10/P12.
By the eye test they definitely look better. I'm sure it will be tougher when conference play starts but it's encouraging that they are pulling out wins even with poor efforts and a depleted roster against mid-majors.
A quick Kenpom stat: over the past eight years, Cal's average Kenpom rating has been ~#160. We're #76 right now for the first time in ages!
I had a discussion this Thanksgiving over what my hopes were for the season, just after the UCLA upset. I said a .500 record would be the benchmark for a good season and just being in the bubble conversation would make for a great season. We've got 21 more games in the season but it feels damn good to be back in the pack.
Yes, being average in a tough conference does feel GREAT! It has been so long. However, I almost think we need some conference games to verify if we are, in fact, average. As others have chimed in, we seem to be on the right path. Roll ON!
It's the trajectory of the program that feels good right now. When Cuonzo had that average team on his way out, the trajectory felt down (though we did not know just how far down it could go!). This feels like we're heading up and that Madsen has a handle on things.
But for one brief shinning moment, please allow us the euphoria of being ranked #2 in the ACC after Duke #1!
Please shout Hallelujah! Jump up and diwn with joy!
This moment might never come again!
Well at least after 10+ games we’re talking about these optimistic scenarios instead of feeling like crap after losing to a bad team(s)
And to have come so far, IS an achievement!
Especially when they do not have the same NIL money some schools enjoy!
Congratulations bears on being 10 & 1 !!!
Time for Cal fans to get those season ticket and NIL coffers up!!
A return to cromulence!
Excellent article. I forgot how much I missed the feeling of just “being in the mix”. I look at every bracketology update, constantly updating KenPom, barttorvik, scoreboard watching. It’s awesome, on top of the offense actually being watchable. Love the shooting on this team. Cannot wait for conference play
I really wanted that Ivan team to make the tournament and at least win their first round game after the horrible events of the NCAA the year before. He still is one of my fav Cal players
Great work! Yes, a return to mediocrity is welcomed after the long nightmare. Now onto greatness! Greatness to me is a tourney bid and at least a round of 32 finish.
Do you think that being an Average ACC team is going to be (generally) better than being an Average historical PAC-12 team? Seems like we’ve got a lot more exposure than we used to get.
Not sure if the data would back that “vibe” up. 📊
I think the difference is pretty marginal, particularly now with the way the NET rankings work vs. RPI back in the day.
Yes.
In the old P10/P12, it was rare for middle of the road conference teams to get any Bubble love. There were years where 11-7 left you out of the conversation.
In the ACC, it is rare for middle of the road conference teams to NOT get any Bubble attention, and although it has happened recently it was more the exception than the rule. NC State made the Final 4 a few years back as a 2nd tier ACC team.
The fact that it's mid-December and we're even talking about a potential path to the Bubble is a sure sign of progress.
And in the ACC, barring a BAD loss OOC, 9-9 puts you on the Bubble. That rarely happened in the P10/P12.
Last year the ACC was down so being a mid team wasn't going to get you to the Dance. But in a lot of years it will.
Right, that's the recently...more the exception than the rule.
Not sure this team has the depth to do it, but the fact that it's even being discussed in mid-December is good nonetheless.
By the eye test they definitely look better. I'm sure it will be tougher when conference play starts but it's encouraging that they are pulling out wins even with poor efforts and a depleted roster against mid-majors.
100%
Louisville traveling east to Berkeley would make for an unnecessarily long trip😉
Hoping that Columbia coming east is exhausting for them too!!
Really great to see. Let's keep it going and start packing the haas of pain!
A quick Kenpom stat: over the past eight years, Cal's average Kenpom rating has been ~#160. We're #76 right now for the first time in ages!
I had a discussion this Thanksgiving over what my hopes were for the season, just after the UCLA upset. I said a .500 record would be the benchmark for a good season and just being in the bubble conversation would make for a great season. We've got 21 more games in the season but it feels damn good to be back in the pack.
We are back!
Yes, being average in a tough conference does feel GREAT! It has been so long. However, I almost think we need some conference games to verify if we are, in fact, average. As others have chimed in, we seem to be on the right path. Roll ON!
With Petraitis and Pippen, the team is better than average in the ACC. Without them, not sure.