These two guys are making me forget about Wilkinson and Stojakovich very quickly. Neither are quite as flashy as last year's guys, but do I dare say it - they appear to be much more efficient.

As a whole, I can already conclude that this year's team is a helluva lot easier to watch play.

I would argue that Ames is flashier than both, and better, too. We'll see how the year plays out, but he's a dynamo thus far. And Camden is solid, all around. This team is so fun to watch grow.

Coming into the season I expected Ames to be my fav player, and although he's got more handles and moves such as a super clean spin move, multiple hesi/change of speed moves, and a great step back, I'm not ready to say he's better than Wilkerson.

For one, Wilkerson was way more athletic and stronger which enabled him to drive against and finish on bigger, taller, stronger defenders even when those defenders were expecting it

I think Ames will have 2-3 incredible scores a game, but don't expect him to have the same success as Wilkinson when the defense is ready for him

Ditto for Andrej compared to Camden

BUT my hope is Ames and Camden will play smarter and make plays for teammates, and force it less often resulting in a less impressive box score but a more successful team

MoragaBear said:

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Stoja shot 42% from the field and 31% from three and Wilkerson shot 40% from the field and 32% from three and Ames is at 62% from the field and 37% from 3, with Camden at 52% from the field and 38% from three so all signs are of Ames and Camden at least being a lot more efficient players.

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let's hope so but I think Andrej and Wilkerson's stats cover the entire season which includes lots of game vs high D1 teams

HoopDreams said:

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MoragaBear said:

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Stoja shot 42% from the field and 31% from three and Wilkerson shot 40% from the field and 32% from three and Ames is at 62% from the field and 37% from 3, with Camden at 52% from the field and 38% from three so all signs are of Ames and Camden at least being a lot more efficient players.

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let's hope so but I think Andrej and Wilkerson's stats cover the entire season which includes lots of game vs high D1 teams

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True, but neither Andrej or Wilkinson shot the 3 well against low rated teams. In our first 6 games they were 12 of 43 (.279). Both had their few good 3 pt shooting games against top competition, which still supports your point: It remains to be seen how Camden and Ames will do against top competition. However, doing well early is a very good sign.

I may be the biggest Dai Dai Ames fan on this board as I said he will be a fan favorite before I even saw a single Cal game with him

And Ames certainly is making a case for being better than Wilkinson (last season)

I'll wait to see him vs Kansas State to really say

calumnus said:

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HoopDreams said:

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MoragaBear said:

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Stoja shot 42% from the field and 31% from three and Wilkerson shot 40% from the field and 32% from three and Ames is at 62% from the field and 37% from 3, with Camden at 52% from the field and 38% from three so all signs are of Ames and Camden at least being a lot more efficient players.

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let's hope so but I think Andrej and Wilkerson's stats cover the entire season which includes lots of game vs high D1 teams

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True, but neither Andrej or Wilkinson shot the 3 well against low rated teams. In our first 6 games they were 12 of 43 (.279). Both had their few good 3 pt shooting games against top competition, which still supports your point: It remains to be seen how Camden and Ames will do against top competition. However, doing well early is a very good sign.

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Collectively they look like they play better defense than last year's team.

From the TV vantage point:

This group definitely seems to execute better (or at least smoothly) on both sides of the ball. I'm discounting missed shots early in the season - but we DO seem to miss alot of open shots.

But what really stands out to me (and makes this team the best to watch in years) is that the players seem to be really having a good time. Under Madsen, it was wonderful see to the teams enjoy the game, unlike under Jones and Fox, where it was painful to watch.

However, the last two seasons there was still something missing from the team concept. There was still too much standing, hesitation, stickiness and fading effort from more than 1 or 2 players. Something was still not working right. Later to find out that there was some chemistry issues in the locker room. Although it was discreet - these things DO fade into how the team looks on the court.

And I'm not seeing any of that yet. Really enjoyable to watch this team so far.

You know what this team does that AS did only sometimes? Defend and get on the floor.