Well, we start as a 10 seed. What this based on, I have no idea. Let's just assume it's garbage but hey someone at ESPN has a job to do. No word on who they think is coaching or playing.

http://m.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology?iteration=282®ion=4&year=2016

Way way too early

going4roses;842674900 said:

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Way way too early

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Haha. Ya think?

TheSouseFamily;842674897 said:

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Well, we start as a 10 seed. What this based on, I have no idea. Let's just assume it's garbage but hey someone at ESPN has a job to do. No word on who they think is coaching or playing.

http://m.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology?iteration=282®ion=4&year=2016

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Well, even if the super frosh decide to go pro, we project to have a starting lineup of 4 seniors and a redshirt junior. How many teams out there can say the same? Honestly, we probably should be a Tournament team next season, even without Rabb and Brown. I like Cuonzo, but it would be concerning if this team is not competitive next season.

To come to think of it, if Lunardi assumed the freshmen were staying, we'd probably be a 2 seed.

Well regardless we'll have a very veteran team. Just without a PF if Rabb leaves.

Tsuba - looks like you beat me to it as I got distracted before clicking send.

Early? Hell...it's about time!

tsubamoto2001;842674905 said:

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Well, even if the super frosh decide to go pro, we project to have a starting lineup of 4 seniors and a redshirt junior. How many teams out there can say the same? Honestly, we probably should be a Tournament team next season, even without Rabb and Brown. I like Cuonzo, but it would be concerning if this team is not competitive next season.

To come to think of it, if Lunardi assumed the freshmen were staying, we'd probably be a 2 seed.

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2017 is a pivotal year for Cuonzo if he stays at Cal. Still retains the up and comer luster if Jaylen and Rabb return and have an excellent season (Pac Tourney title or E8). Lots of questions if team performs at the same level during their soph seasons. Cuonzo wouldn't be fired if 2017 team without Jaylen and Rabb didn't dance, but his market value would be lower.

In the article that goes along with the bracket, Lunardi said he is projecting Rabb and Brown to turn pro. I said this in another thread, but making the tournament next year without Rabb seems like a tall order to me. Matthews and Bird would have to handle the so much of the scoring, and they are both known as catch and shoot guys.

Also, not sure how much thought Lunardi put into this. He has UCLA as a 12-seed. I figured, with their recruiting class coming in, they get as much hype next year as Cal did this year.

Lunardi puts a ton of time and analysis in this
Just think... His full time job is to do this, and it's a popular thing for ESPN
he is not sitting by himself in a dark room with pencil figuring this stuff out
espn gives him a research staff and analytics to make these projections
they are factoring in poor coaching when projecting ucla as a 12 seed

drewstapes;842674972 said:

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In the article that goes along with the bracket, Lunardi said he is projecting Rabb and Brown to turn pro. I said this in another thread, but making the tournament next year without Rabb seems like a tall order to me. Matthews and Bird would have to handle the so much of the scoring, and they are both known as catch and shoot guys.

Also, not sure how much thought Lunardi put into this. He has UCLA as a 12-seed. I figured, with their recruiting class coming in, they get as much hype next year as Cal did this year.

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HoopDreams;842674978 said:

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Lunardi puts a ton of time and analysis in this
Just think... His full time job is to do this, and it's a popular thing for ESPN
he is not sitting by himself in a dark room with pencil figuring this stuff out
espn gives him a research staff and analytics to make these projections
they are factoring in poor coaching when projecting ucla as a 12 seed

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Actually, it's not his full time job. His day job is in the marketing department at St. Joe's - which I think it pretty cool. But, I get your point and I wasn't dissing everyone's favorite bracketologist. But, because it's so early and he doesn't have anything to work with besides preseason expectations, I'd say it's fair this one didn't require as much effort as regular projected brackets.

Sounds like ESPN is due for some downsizing. Lots of deadwood over there.

tsubamoto2001;842674905 said:

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Well, even if the super frosh decide to go pro, we project to have a starting lineup of 4 seniors and a redshirt junior. How many teams out there can say the same? Honestly, we probably should be a Tournament team next season, even without Rabb and Brown. I like Cuonzo, but it would be concerning if this team is not competitive next season.

To come to think of it, if Lunardi assumed the freshmen were staying, we'd probably be a 2 seed.

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Good experience but where would enough offense come from? I see only two scorers unless Coleman plays well. I can't see a tournament team without Rabb or/and Brown.

SFBearz;842675024 said:

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Good experience but where would enough offense come from? I see only two scorers unless Coleman plays well. I can't see a tournament team without Rabb or/and Brown.

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If Cuonzo's 2017 team dances without Jaylen and Rabb, he's a long term answer at Cal if he's well compensated and supported. Tend to believe the talent level on the 2016 team was closer to a ceiling than a floor and that the 2017 team will be above average for Cal with increased academic requirements. Definitely like Cuonzo, but even at Cal a long term/potential legacy coach needs to make the Dance every season, especially with above average talent.

drewstapes;842674997 said:

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Actually, it's not his full time job. His day job is in the marketing department at St. Joe's - which I think it pretty cool. But, I get your point and I wasn't dissing everyone's favorite bracketologist. But, because it's so early and he doesn't have anything to work with besides preseason expectations, I'd say it's fair this one didn't require as much effort as regular projected brackets.

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It may be different now, but a few years ago, I believe he was also doing some broadcasting for St Joe's and on the payroll of the Atlantic 10 conference. If you look up East Coast Media Bias in the dictionary, you'll find his photo :p