Is the key to this years team. We have a depleted front line but given Kravish's improvement last year and Martin's accolades for him over the summer and through the fall, there was every reason to expect he would play at an AP12 level this season.

To date, he has really scuffled. and we need to help him get it turned around. His defense, rebounding, shot blocking and most importantly his scoring in the lane, he is IMO our most important player. His offense opens up our talent and depth on the perimeter. His shot blocking masks some deficiencies in our defense.

Look at his #'s:

His shooting % is down, his FT % is way down, rebounds are down and more importantly when watching him, you see him getting beat on defense and missing good, open looks. That consistent face up jumper and jump hook are just not falling so far this year like they did last year.

My sense is that it's mental. Increased pressure and urgency being a senior of whom a lot is expected. No more Richard Solomon to take on the bigger, stronger players we defend and to suck up rebounds. My guess is that he'll adjust and we'll see him get back to being himself.

Opponents are looking at him as the main returnee from last year's team, so he'll be the focus of the defense, especially with Bird out. If Wallace continues to bring it on offense, Mathews gets consistent, Singer gets his confidence back, and Behrens and Okoroh develop, then Kravish should be able to get going.

Give DK a little break. Cal has one seasoned big man, Kravish, so teams are going to load up on him and take as many shots as possible.

It's a simple concept: hammer the best of only 3 big men, get him in foul trouble and keep him out of the game.

CalHoopFan;842419585 said:

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Is the key to this years team. We have a depleted front line but given Kravish's improvement last year and Martin's accolades for him over the summer and through the fall, there was every reason to expect he would play at an AP12 level this season.

To date, he has really scuffled. and we need to help him get it turned around. His defense, rebounding, shot blocking and most importantly his scoring in the lane, he is IMO our most important player. His offense opens up our talent and depth on the perimeter. His shot blocking masks some deficiencies in our defense.

Look at his #'s:

His shooting % is down, his FT % is way down, rebounds are down and more importantly when watching him, you see him getting beat on defense and missing good, open looks. That consistent face up jumper and jump hook are just not falling so far this year like they did last year.

My sense is that it's mental. Increased pressure and urgency being a senior of whom a lot is expected. No more Richard Solomon to take on the bigger, stronger players we defend and to suck up rebounds. My guess is that he'll adjust and we'll see him get back to being himself.

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Solomon was more important to Kravish's (and the team's) success than most here acknowledged. I still think Okoroh's development is key to letting Kravish becoming more effective as a 4 rather than the 5 he is being forced to be.

I would add as well that Behrens' development is key as well to DK's effectiveness as a 4. When they go with a 4-4 front court with both threats to score and rebound, it could be dangerous.

In yesterday's game, if just a couple of DK's shots had fallen, the game would taken a completely storyline.

91Cal;842419934 said:

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I would add as well that Behrens' development is key as well to DK's effectiveness as a 4. When they go with a 4-4 front court with both threats to score and rebound, it could be dangerous.

In yesterday's game, if just a couple of DK's shots had fallen, the game would taken a completely storyline.

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Exactly, he made virtually no shots that weren't layups or dunks.

Teams are not actually giving David that much defensive attention. Very few double teams, albeit some hedges but it's not like he's not getting good looks. He's simply not making them

beelzebear;842419598 said:

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Give DK a little break. Cal has one seasoned big man, Kravish, so teams are going to load up on him and take as many shots as possible.

It's a simple concept: hammer the best of only 3 big men, get him in foul trouble and keep him out of the game.

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I think this brings up an important point about Kravish: despite a couple of questionable calls, Kravish did not (and has not) fouled out this game. I cannot recall any game in which he has fouled out, but I'm guessing it's no more than two. He plays heady defense by almost always being in good position. He will leave Cal having blocked the most shots in school history. I think that's a rare combination to be a shot blocker who stays out of foul trouble. If I were a coach I would have no problem playing him with four fouls.

In terms of his shot, as others have pointed out, he's going to see a lot of doubles and sagging defenses. That he consistently scores in double figures is really a testament to his offensive skills. He is also a pretty adroit passer, not as good as Amit Tamir in this respect, but still pretty good. He's going to acquire a fair number of assists this season.

beelzebear;842419598 said:

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Give DK a little break. Cal has one seasoned big man, Kravish, so teams are going to load up on him and take as many shots as possible.

It's a simple concept: hammer the best of only 3 big men, get him in foul trouble and keep him out of the game.

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+1. His game will come around. Patience

OdontoBear66;842419950 said:

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+1. His game will come around. Patience

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+1

As I recall, David started out last year missing an unusual percentage of shots, but picked it up substantially as the year played on.

The Bears have completed just the first quarter of the season, with a new coach and for David new front court teammates.

I highly doubt that David will be a problem over the rest of the year (season).

I think getting Chauca back with his excellent passing will really help Kravish get better position inside and increase his scoring. Yesterday there were few open looks from favorite spots on the floor because of the lack of sharp passing.

CalHoopFan;842419585 said:

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To date, he has really scuffled.
My sense is that it's mental.

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Someone posted a thread last week called 'Who will we complain about next?'
Well, we have our answer.
That thread was mocking ourselves in our ability to always be finding negative stuff to talk about.
And, man, this thread is the perfect companion thread to that one.

Are you kidding me? You're going to get on David Kravish?
Allow me to remind you a few things:
When David was recruited, he was seen as an also-ran. At 3 stars and 180 pounds, he was not viewed as a prospect who would have great impact. Maybe one day he could put on weight and contribute.

I will save a list of his accolades for later in his senior season (4 year starter, all time block leader...), but y'all should just be appreciative of what David has done and does for this team - ESPECIALLY considering a surrounding cast of bigs was never recruited to Cal - without expecting him to be something he is not. That you even mention All Conference and his name in the same sentence is a huge accomplishment, and something David is surely proud of and which I am hugely impressed with.

Keep ballin', David!

...surely I am too hard on you, as you do give him plenty of props and mention the 'no solo' factor. Still, it is hard to read the above comments bc I certainly never expected Kravish to be anywhere near where he is. Therefore, he is playing with house money and can do no wrong.

91Cal;842419934 said:

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I would add as well that Behrens' development is key as well to DK's effectiveness as a 4. When they go with a 4-4 front court with both threats to score and rebound, it could be dangerous.

In yesterday's game, if just a couple of DK's shots had fallen, the game would taken a completely storyline.

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Yes this is really important. Kravish is absorbing the focus and that gives Behrens room to operate. It's worth it for us to have DK struggle against double teams now, because Behrens will grow and demand the defensive attention as the season progresses if he can stay healthy.

BluesandGold2;842419943 said:

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I think this brings up an important point about Kravish: despite a couple of questionable calls, Kravish did not (and has not) fouled out this game. I cannot recall any game in which he has fouled out, but I'm guessing it's no more than two. He plays heady defense by almost always being in good position. He will leave Cal having blocked the most shots in school history. I think that's a rare combination to be a shot blocker who stays out of foul trouble. If I were a coach I would have no problem playing him with four fouls.

In terms of his shot, as others have pointed out, he's going to see a lot of doubles and sagging defenses. That he consistently scores in double figures is really a testament to his offensive skills. He is also a pretty adroit passer, not as good as Amit Tamir in this respect, but still pretty good. He's going to acquire a fair number of assists this season.

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Yes. Kravish and coach Martin both realize we have to have him at the end of games. Sometimes DK gives way and looks really soft, but he is doing it strategically. We really can't afford to have him foul out. We know he can hit those jumpers -- keep taking them DK.

RicoRico;842420245 said:

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Yes this is really important. Kravish is absorbing the focus and that gives Behrens room to operate. It's worth it for us to have DK struggle against double teams now, because Behrens will grow and demand the defensive attention as the season progresses if he can stay healthy.

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Problem is, most teams are able to neutralize Kravish inside without double-teaming him. He is just not a back to the basket post player that demands a double team, that is not his game and it is somewhat unfair to expect him to be.

Your right Kravish isn't a back to basket type guy..he can do it at times, but what he does do...he forces a big out of the box. He has to be covered 15-18 ft away. Thus allows our guards to penetrate much easier. David is a big reason Ty gets so many drives.

First time I've seen a draft projection that includes Kravish. This has been being drafted in the 2nd round at #55. (Also has Bird going in the 1st round).

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2015-nba-mock-draft.html?m=1