Cal Hoops Gets Big Boost With Roberson Commitment

The Bears picked up a big commitment from their second Bishop O’Dowd player and fifth in 12 years from 6-5/180 2021 combo guard Marsalis Roberson‍ today. Roberson and Cal frosh Monty Bowser‍ on the Bears’ 2021 roster will help replace former O’Dowd point guard Paris Austin after his recent graduation.

The Bears have developed a strong relationship with Roberson, a factor that played in the Bears’ favor in his decision.

“The coaching staff and I have a great relationship,” said Roberson earlier. “They’ve been recruiting me for a while. Coach (Mark) Fox is a great conversationalist. He’s funny. Coach Francis, that’s my guy. I like them all.

“They like me at the two and want me to practice scoring in tighter windows because at the next level, it’s going to be necessary because it’s a big jump from high school to college. They’d also like me to work more on my off-hand and develop a tighter handle. 

“I feel like I’ve always had a good perimeter game, like when I went 6-for-7 against St. John Bosco, but it’s always an area where you can improve.”

The Bay Area Player of the Year and 247 Top 100 player is just the sort of talent that head coach Mark Fox has needed to add to the roster and will continue to need for the Bears to transition from a rebuilding project to a legit Pac-12 contender.

Veteran O’Dowd head coach Lou Richie is bullish on Roberson’s game.

“First, he’s an elite listener and learner,” said Richie. “His work ethic is unparalled. He’s become a really good defender. He does everything he’s asked to do. 

“He just turned 17 (in spring) and I think he’s got a couple inches to grow, with a great upside. 

“He’ll play all five positions for us next year, depending on the mismatches. The sky’s the limit for him. He can play anywhere on the court.”

Roberson led the team with 16.5 points and 6.3 rebounds, as well as 3 assists per game for the Dragons in their 2019-2020 season.

With COVID-19 limiting competition and visits, the Top 100 player would’ve likely seen significantly more recruiting attention but the nation’s loss is Cal’s gain.