I don't qualify as an expert in the sport, but the hardened followers all congregate at Water Polo Express site. The consensus there is the college game will again feature a top 5 including the Big 4 and Fordham. A few think Cal will make NCAA finals, but most think the Bears finish behind the other members of the Big 4 but ahead of Fordham, which would mirror last year.

UCLA is down one Dodd brother (now playing in Europe) and did not add a lot of frosh talent but return a lot of veteran talent, so maybe the Bruins slide back to the pack after two straight NCAA titles. The Bears played UCLA in San Diego Friday in an exhibition. The Bruins won that 14-12 with Ryder Dodd scoring 4. R. Dodd is the reigning Cutino award winner as the best player in the college game. It is deserved.

Stanford added (probably) the two best domestic frosh from Newport Harbor HS and Herzer the outstanding USC golaie from last year. That could elevate the 'furd over USC this year, although SC added a lot of international frosh talent.

The Bears added 3 international freshman including a Greek center that is highly regarded.

The Bears did not have the two Spaniards, Pina and Perrone, this week end and both start so the Bears have quite a bit of upside over what we saw over the weekend.

Forham features a roster with mostly Euro talent. On the 21 man roster only 6 members are from US high schools. Forham is coached by Brian Bachrach who played for Everist in the aughts.

We will know more after Sept 18-20 which is the MPSF invitational at Stanford. It will be carried on Overnight Sports for the interested.