Cal Bears Basketball: Preseason Rankings and Recognition

With the college basketball season not too far off, the Cal Bears find themselves ranked and with a couple players who have been recognized.

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College basketball season is right around the corner, and the Cal Bears’ men’s basketball team kicks off their season is just over a month. But for now, it’s time for preseason rankings, All-American teams, and other lists to start coming out. Despite losing their top two scorers from last season, with Jaylen Brown and Tyrone Wallace both trying to make their name in the NBA, Cal and some players are still gaining recognition.

In CBS Sports’ first edition of their top-25 rankings, Cal just slips on to the list. They are ranked 22nd out of the 25 teams. Writer Gary Parrish had this to say about the Golden Bears’ 2016-2017 team:

"Ivan Rabb‘s decision to do another year of college means Cal is returning one of the best pro prospects in the sport. The late addition of four-star point guard Charlie Moore, a former Memphis signee, was another positive offseason development that should help the Bears remain relevant in the Pac-12."

Cal found themselves ranked at numerous points last season. In the AP poll, they were slotted in at 14th to begin the season, and were in the same spot in the third edition. In the final rankings, they were 23rd of 25 teams. Cal also finished last season 23rd in the Coaches Poll.

Speaking of Rabb, Cal’s sophomore big man was named to NBC Sports’ Preseason All-American team. Writer Rob Dauster included this excerpt on Cal’s ultra-talented seven-footer:

"We went with Rabb as the nation’s best big man this season. Like [Washington’s Markelle] Fultz, Rabb could end up playing on a team that doesn’t reach the NCAA tournament. That’s concerning, but there’s a real chance that Rabb could end up averaging 18 points and 10 boards this season. Last season as a freshman, he averaged 12.6 points and 8.5 boards playing as a tertiary option on the offensive end. He would have been a lottery pick had he opted to declare for June’s NBA Draft."

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Rabb was outstanding last season in his first year with the Bears. He finished fourth on the team by averaging 12.5 points, and led the team with 8.5 rebounds (sixth in the Pac-12) and 1.2 blocks (11th in conference). His 290 total rebounds marked a school freshman record.

If young Rabb is going to take that next step, there’s one big area he’ll need to work on. He got into foul trouble a lot last season, and it limited his availability quite often. He fouled out six times in 34 games, and collected four fouls eight other times.

Another Cal big man gaining some recognition is the man in the middle, Kameron Rooks. He was named one of CBS Sports “breakout candidates” for the 2016-2017 season. Writer Matt Norlander sees big things for the mountain of a man, now entering his junior year:

"Cal’s star is going to be Ivan Rabb. And Rabb’s going to get plenty of double teams. Rooks will benefit. Expect a pop in his usage percentage, scoring numbers and time on the floor. The Golden Bears have a lot to look forward to, even if this roster doesn’t seem as stacked as it was a year ago. Rooks will also benefit because I think Jabari Bird‘s going to have a fine final season. Rooks is the vital third piece. College hoops only gets a handful of 7-foot guys who can have reliable impact. Would surprise me if Rooks didn’t become that this season."

After missing a season because of a torn ACL, Rooks returned last season and played 33 games, including 10 starts. Playing just about 17 minutes per game, Rooks averaged 3.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per contest. He also collected his first career double-double, dropping 11 points and grabbing 12 rebounds against Stanford on February 6th.

Next: Chad Hansen Named Pac-12 OPW

Cal’s basketball season opens on November 11th, when they welcome South Dakota State to Haas Pavilion.

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