|
#37 California Golden
Bears
Pacific 10
2004-05: 13-16, 6-12,
8th
2004-05 postseason:
none
By
Joel Welser
Coach Ben Braun’s
squad barely snuck into the conference tournament last year.
This year, California has the former Pac 10 Freshman of the Year
returning in Leon Powe. Heading into the summer, things looked
great in Berkley, but some academic issues and transfers have
slightly hampered a very promising season.
Who’s Out:
Forwards Dominic McGuire and David Paris won’t be playing for
the Bears this year. McGuire, who is transferring to Fresno
State, started 23 contests and averaged 7.2 points and 4.9
boards. Paris isn’t academically eligible to compete in
2005-2006 and his 7.2 points and 3.6 rebounds will be missed.
Fellow forward Kevin Langford is headed to TCU. Langford earned
three starts as a freshman and averaged 2.5 points and 2.0
boards.
Who’s In:
Leon Powe returns after averaging
15.1 points and a conference leading 9.5 rebounds as a freshman
two years ago. The 6-8 forward missed all of last season with a
left knee injury and will be a dominate force once again if he
can remain healthy. Omar Wilkes, a smooth shooting guard, is
eligible after transferring from Kansas. Jordan Wilkes, younger
brother of fellow newcomer Omar, is a solid center prospect. At
6-11 and 225 pounds, Jordan will add some depth under the
basket. He has a nice mid-range shot, but will need some time to
develop his overall game. Theo Robertson, a 6-5 wing, has nice
range on his shot, but isn’t very explosive driving the lane and
isn’t expected to see many minutes this year.
Who to Watch:
Rod Benson continues to improve
every year and his senior campaign should be his best yet. The
6-10 center led the team with 13.3 points and 6.3 rebounds last
year and, with the return of Leon Powe, will form what could be
a very dominate frontcourt.
Projected
Conference Rank:
The Golden Bears have legitimate
hopes for a trip to the NCAAs. If Powe plays like he did as a
freshman, they should be dancing come March. The experience of
the backcourt trio of Richard Midgley, Ayinde Ubaka and Martin
Smith is a big plus. Sophomore forwards DeVon Hardin and Eric
Vierneisel are ready to see an increase role and wing Marquise
Kately has the potential to be a star in the Pac 10, if he wants
to be. Kately is currently suspended from the team and did not
travel with the squad on their overseas trip to Italy and his
status for the fall is still in question. A 5th place
finish is a reasonable goal for the Bears.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
NCAA
Projected Starting
Five:
Martin Smith, Senior,
Guard, 5.6 points per game
Richard Midgley,
Senior, Guard, 12.9 points per game
Ayinde Ubaka, Junior,
Guard, 6.1 points per game
Leon Powe, Sophomore,
Forward, DNP last season
Rod Benson, Senior,
Center, 13.3 points per game
|
