Marsalis Roberson, the No. 8 player in California and No. 22 shooting guard in the nation per 247Sports, will be announcing his commitment Thursday!

He's listed at 6'4, was the Bay Area Preps HQ Player of the Year in 2019-20, and is probably the best player on Cal basketball's feeder school Bishop O'Dowd.

His top four include Stanford, Cincinnati, and UCSB. His mom works at Cal and he's been to the campus multiple times. This could very well be the first commit for the 2021 class.

UCSB is an interesting choice.

Go Bears!

Given his connection to Cal through his Mom and the prestige factor, Cal seems the more likely choice but Pasternak has done a great job recruiting for UCSB.
This includes landing current All Big West Conference F/C Amadou Sow who was also offered by Cal back in 2018. He also had offers from Illinois, Colorado, Wichita St, and Pitt among others.

UCSB's best player in history, Brian Shaw, also came out of O'Dowd.

If 247 is accurate, then its down to these two schools as Stanford & Cincy have not offered.

this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

helltopay1 said:

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this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

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Just 5 years ago we landed two of the top 8 players in the country, Jaylen Brown and Ivan Rabb.

Ranked #4 and considered by some the best in the country, 5 star Jaylen Brown was out of Georgia,,with Cal beating out Kansas, Kentucky, UCLA, North Carolina, Michigan and local schools Georgia and Georgia Tech.

That same year we landed the #8 player, local 5 star Ivan Rabb, beating out Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky, and UCLA.

Cal is still Cal. The school and facilities have not changed.

helltopay1 said:

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this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

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If we start with three-star players and coach them up then we'll attract four-star players. See Cal football under Wilcox. Of course we have to land the three-star players first.

stu said:

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helltopay1 said:

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this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

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If we start with three-star players and coach them up then we'll attract four-star players. See Cal football under Wilcox. Of course we have to land the three-star players first.

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Wilcox has had 4 and even 5 star players on the team all along. Agree that the 2021 class does look like it will be much better ranked than the last few.

If Cal wins the North.....

calumnus said:

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helltopay1 said:

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this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

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Just 5 years ago we landed two of the top 8 players in the country, Jaylen Brown and Ivan Rabb.

Ranked #4 and considered by some the best in the country, 5 star Jaylen Brown was out of Georgia,,with Cal beating out Kansas, Kentucky, UCLA, North Carolina, Michigan and local schools Georgia and Georgia Tech.

That same year we landed the #8 player, local 5 star Ivan Rabb, beating out Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky, and UCLA.

Cal is still Cal. The school and facilities have not changed.

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But in no way was that an average year. It was by far the best class since the Bozeman era. And Cal is not recruiting Bozeman style these days, as far as we know. Not to mention that Rabb had a local connection and recruited his friend Brown. That connection will not be there every year.

Also comparing classes that average 3 or 4 players to football classes that average 20 to 25 does not make sense in terms of 4 and 5 star players. Wilcox's average star rating has improved but was not great to start.

The only way I see to get out of the current hole is to recruit 3 stars who overachieve and get better recruits interested later. Whenever Cal goes for a recruiter type of a coach it does not go well. Whether Fox is a program builder remains to be seen.

Sluggo

helltopay1 said:

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this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

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The "many obstacles" include a negative fanbase.

Dear Johnecook: I think you don't think.

Growler91 said:

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helltopay1 said:

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this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

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The "many obstacles" include a negative fanbase.

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Highly unlikely that Cal will ever be a Top Ten program, but if we could have a run where we were flirting with the Top 25 for several years (sometimes higher), that'd be pretty cool. A reachable goal for the Golden Bears would be to average one NCAA Tournament win per season, lasting for a decade (or more).

Ultimately, it's about the journey and the struggle.

Good form, MR.
Go Bears!

helltopay1 said:

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this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

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You don't want the #8 player in California????
Personally, I'm excited.

High academic: check
Pasternack can recruit: check
UCSB has been starting to show up in mentions from some pretty well-regarded bb recruits lately, it seems.

Big C said:

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Growler91 said:

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helltopay1 said:

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this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

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The "many obstacles" include a negative fanbase.

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Highly unlikely that Cal will ever be a Top Ten program, but if we could have a run where we were flirting with the Top 25 for several years (sometimes higher), that'd be pretty cool. A reachable goal for the Golden Bears would be to average one NCAA Tournament win per season, lasting for a decade (or more).

Ultimately, it's about the journey and the struggle.

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I agree that is a good, achievable goal. I am skeptical Fox gets us there, but we will see over the next couple of years if we at least have a positive trajectory. We will see if we can finish in the top half of the conference. Landing the best academically qualified local recruits from BOD and other NorCal schools is a key piece. Recruiting out of SoCal will be another.

Big C said:

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Growler91 said:

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helltopay1 said:

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this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

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The "many obstacles" include a negative fanbase.

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Highly unlikely that Cal will ever be a Top Ten program, but if we could have a run where we were flirting with the Top 25 for several years (sometimes higher), that'd be pretty cool. A reachable goal for the Golden Bears would be to average one NCAA Tournament win per season, lasting for a decade (or more).

Ultimately, it's about the journey and the struggle.

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Highly unlikely? In basketball? It just doesn't take that many players to be good....

mbBear said:

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Big C said:

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Growler91 said:

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helltopay1 said:

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this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

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The "many obstacles" include a negative fanbase.

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Highly unlikely that Cal will ever be a Top Ten program, but if we could have a run where we were flirting with the Top 25 for several years (sometimes higher), that'd be pretty cool. A reachable goal for the Golden Bears would be to average one NCAA Tournament win per season, lasting for a decade (or more).

Ultimately, it's about the journey and the struggle.

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Highly unlikely? In basketball? It just doesn't take that many players to be good....

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I read it NOT as being ranked in the top 10 for a week (which doesn't take that many players), but being a consistent Top 10 program which means prioritizing, spending and compromising with the likes of:

Kentucky
North Carolina
Kansas
Arizona
Syracuse
Louisville
Gonzaga
Villanova
Duke
Virginia


None of which prioritize Football over Basketball - which Cal clearly does.

Not to say that you can't have both. See Ohio St, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin and once upon a time UCLA.

mbBear said:

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Big C said:

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Growler91 said:

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helltopay1 said:

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this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

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The "many obstacles" include a negative fanbase.

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Highly unlikely that Cal will ever be a Top Ten program, but if we could have a run where we were flirting with the Top 25 for several years (sometimes higher), that'd be pretty cool. A reachable goal for the Golden Bears would be to average one NCAA Tournament win per season, lasting for a decade (or more).

Ultimately, it's about the journey and the struggle.

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Highly unlikely? In basketball? It just doesn't take that many players to be good....

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Just 4 years ago we were an 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Ie, a Top 10 program after the regular season that year.

BeachedBear said:

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mbBear said:

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Big C said:

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Growler91 said:

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helltopay1 said:

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this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

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The "many obstacles" include a negative fanbase.

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Highly unlikely that Cal will ever be a Top Ten program, but if we could have a run where we were flirting with the Top 25 for several years (sometimes higher), that'd be pretty cool. A reachable goal for the Golden Bears would be to average one NCAA Tournament win per season, lasting for a decade (or more).

Ultimately, it's about the journey and the struggle.

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Highly unlikely? In basketball? It just doesn't take that many players to be good....

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I read it NOT as being ranked in the top 10 for a week (which doesn't take that many players), but being a consistent Top 10 program which means prioritizing, spending and compromising with the likes of:

Kentucky
North Carolina
Kansas
Arizona
Syracuse
Louisville
Gonzaga
Villanova
Duke
Virginia


None of which prioritize Football over Basketball - which Cal clearly does.

Not to say that you can't have both. See Ohio St, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin and once upon a time UCLA.

I get the "Cal needs a practice facility" narrative. But I think you would be hard pressed to find specifics at those schools that play football and basketball at the highest level (meaning not Nova) that shows a lack of commitment on the football side. Arizona hasn't been less than stellar at football because something is happening in basketball. Louisville football has been ranked pretty consistently since joining the ACC, and so on.

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mbBear said:

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BeachedBear said:

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mbBear said:

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Big C said:

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Growler91 said:

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helltopay1 said:

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this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

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The "many obstacles" include a negative fanbase.

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Highly unlikely that Cal will ever be a Top Ten program, but if we could have a run where we were flirting with the Top 25 for several years (sometimes higher), that'd be pretty cool. A reachable goal for the Golden Bears would be to average one NCAA Tournament win per season, lasting for a decade (or more).

Ultimately, it's about the journey and the struggle.

---

Highly unlikely? In basketball? It just doesn't take that many players to be good....

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I read it NOT as being ranked in the top 10 for a week (which doesn't take that many players), but being a consistent Top 10 program which means prioritizing, spending and compromising with the likes of:

Kentucky
North Carolina
Kansas
Arizona
Syracuse
Louisville
Gonzaga
Villanova
Duke
Virginia


None of which prioritize Football over Basketball - which Cal clearly does.

Not to say that you can't have both. See Ohio St, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin and once upon a time UCLA.

I get the "Cal needs a practice facility" narrative. But I think you would be hard pressed to find specifics at those schools that play football and basketball at the highest level (meaning not Nova) that shows a lack of commitment on the football side. Arizona hasn't been less than stellar at football because something is happening in basketball. Louisville football has been ranked pretty consistently since joining the ACC, and so on.

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I didn't say anything about 'Cal needs a practice facility' - not sure where you got that from my comments. Nor did I mention anything about lack of football commitment at Ohio St, Florida, etc.

Really not sure what your point or counterpoint is . . . help me understand your 'narrative'

BeachedBear said:

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mbBear said:

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BeachedBear said:

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mbBear said:

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Big C said:

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Growler91 said:

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helltopay1 said:

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this is disappointing: The only two schools to offer are Cal and UCSB??he projects as a three-star player. don't know if Cal will ever get over the hump..too many obstacles..no practice facility, too harsh academic requirements, 98% of the student body would rather play video games than go to a game, too many students, faculty and administrative types whose leftist leanings preclude a passionate adherence to the major sports. This has been the situation for over 50 years...why will this change??

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The "many obstacles" include a negative fanbase.

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Highly unlikely that Cal will ever be a Top Ten program, but if we could have a run where we were flirting with the Top 25 for several years (sometimes higher), that'd be pretty cool. A reachable goal for the Golden Bears would be to average one NCAA Tournament win per season, lasting for a decade (or more).

Ultimately, it's about the journey and the struggle.

---

Highly unlikely? In basketball? It just doesn't take that many players to be good....

---

I read it NOT as being ranked in the top 10 for a week (which doesn't take that many players), but being a consistent Top 10 program which means prioritizing, spending and compromising with the likes of:

Kentucky
North Carolina
Kansas
Arizona
Syracuse
Louisville
Gonzaga
Villanova
Duke
Virginia


None of which prioritize Football over Basketball - which Cal clearly does.

Not to say that you can't have both. See Ohio St, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin and once upon a time UCLA.

I get the "Cal needs a practice facility" narrative. But I think you would be hard pressed to find specifics at those schools that play football and basketball at the highest level (meaning not Nova) that shows a lack of commitment on the football side. Arizona hasn't been less than stellar at football because something is happening in basketball. Louisville football has been ranked pretty consistently since joining the ACC, and so on.

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I didn't say anything about 'Cal needs a practice facility' - not sure where you got that from my comments. Nor did I mention anything about lack of football commitment at Ohio St, Florida, etc.

Really not sure what your point or counterpoint is . . . help me understand your 'narrative'

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"Prioritize" is a fancy word for who has won the most. You're right, I brought up the facility, because, outside of that, there isn't a lack of priority to Cal hoops, just the lack of winning.
And again, I cited some of your schools where basketball isn't about more "priority," its strictly about winning.