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Cal Basketball

Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight Talks About Cal's Two Recent Additions

July 26, 2022
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This summer, the Bears picked up a pair of players from one of the nation’s top programs in Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) High school combo guard Devin Askew‍ and wing Jack McCloskey.

The pair’s route to Cal was not the traditional route, though the traditional route is becoming less and less common for many players in the era of the portal.

Cal will be Askew’s third collegiate program after his transfer from Texas after being rated a consensus 4 star out of Mater Dei as a prep and originally playing for Kentucky.

As an early entry freshman at Kentucky in 2020-21, the 6-3/200 Askew averaged 6.5 points, 2.9 assists & 2.6 rebounds per game, starting in 20 games for the Wildcats. As a soph at UT, Askew averaged 2.1 points and 1.3 assists in 14.9 minutes per game over 34 games played. At Cal, his minutes should increase significantly as should the green light to shoot and create scoring opportunities.

“Devin’s a very good player,” said McKnight. “He had a remarkable three years with us on the varsity before he left before his senior year to enroll in Kentucky. His junior year in the playoffs, he went for 45 against (2021 3rd overall pick Evan) Mobley. He was just on fire. He’s a guard who can shoot the ball. He’s a tough kid who likes to be a leader. He’s a very, very competitive kid. 

“He played point for us and we went against some of the best guards in the country but he’s a scorer so he’s kind of a combo, where he can play one or two.”

McCloskey is a 6’7” wing who played his senior season at Mater Dei after a transfer, earning several postseason honors. He’ll be a preferred walk-on at Cal to start his collegiate career.

“Jack comes from a family of athletes,” said McKnight. “His dad played for Loyola Marymount during the Hank Gathers/Bo Kimble years.

“Jack came to us his senior year from Santa Margarita High School. He had a great year. He made 2nd Team All-CIF and 1st Team All-League. Our league -the Trinity League- is a very tough league. He’s a good athlete. He can get up and dunk it pretty easily, with a varied skill set. He’s a very good shooter. He’s a quiet kid, a smart kid. He has a lot of skills. 

“Nowadays, a preferred walk-on is like before the portal a guy who would’ve had a scholarship. Teams now are going to look to the portal first and then there’s kids still left over in the portal. And if they take a high school kid, if they do well they’ll often lose them in the portal after a year or two and if they do bad, they picked the wrong kid. But Jack will be a guy who will stick. He’s low maintenance and will work his ass off for them. I think he’ll be a good addition and I’d hope coming from our program, he’ll be prepared and will have been through any drill possible and he’ll be ready to go.”

The men’s basketball schedule has yet to be announced but is expected to kick off with a pair of exhibitions in early November.

Discussion from...

Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight Talks About Cal's Two Recent Additions

24,173 Views | 79 Replies | Last: 2 yr ago by Big C
SFCityBear
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2:02p, 7/26/22
I hadn't heard about McCloskey before. I like positive reviews from experienced coaches. This could be good for Cal, and for coach Fox, to maybe make Cal relevant in the Southern California recruiting market again, where we have traditionally landed many of our better players. There isn't much talent in Northern California anymore, except in Napa and of course, the O'Dowd kid who went early for the big bucks. I feel better already.
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stu
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In reply to SFCityBear • 3:23p, 7/26/22
Yes, nice to have a wing who might be able to score a little.
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sluggo
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In reply to stu • 3:56p, 7/26/22
stu said:
Yes, nice to have a wing who might be able to score a little.
He has a nice looking shot (#10 in red) and was their leading scorer in the playoff loss whose highlights are shown below. (Havard Westlake has some very athletic players, oh my.) He is kind of thin and not a top athlete. But for a walkon, he looks like a great addition.

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89Bear
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3:57p, 7/26/22
A player who can shoot????
Is this a new recruiting strategy for Fox?
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HearstMining
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5:18p, 7/26/22
A walk-on who is kind of thin, not a top athlete, can shoot . . . sounds like Ryan Forhan-Kelly. Cal can use a player like that.
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SFCityBear
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In reply to 89Bear • 6:34p, 7/26/22
89Bear said:
A player who can shoot????
Is this a new recruiting strategy for Fox?
It probably has always been one of his strategies. I just don't think Fox is a great salesman. He seems uncomfortable with the press, or in public, and you have to be able to sell to be a good recruiter.

Of Fox's recruits, Sam Alajiki and Jalen Celestine are both players who seem to be able to shoot, but neither has played starter-like minutes over a season, so I could be wrong.

Kareem South, Ryan Betley, and Makale Foreman are all players who can shoot, and proved it in lesser leagues than the PAC12. South and Betley shot threes well at Cal in the first half of the season, but their shooting dropped off in the PAC12, where the athletes and the defense are better. Foreman is undersized and was often injured at Cal. Jordan Shepherd shot threes at an excellent .500 or better in 9 games, but was not consistent over the season.
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ducky23
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In reply to HearstMining • 6:42p, 7/26/22
HearstMining said:
A walk-on who is kind of thin, not a top athlete, can shoot . . . sounds like Ryan Forhan-Kelly. Cal can use a player like that.


I'd take rfk's brother at this point
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HoopDreams
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9:07p, 7/26/22
at a major HS program and at 6-7 with a shot he was not over looked

he must be a poor defender to not get more offers

I think he helps us early... is this season too much to ask?

we need shooters
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MoragaBear
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In reply to HoopDreams • 10:04p, 7/26/22
Staff
Remember what McKnight said about how many slots that normally would've gone to prep players are going to portal guys. There aren't nearly as many scholarships available for good prep players anymore.
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stu
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In reply to MoragaBear • 10:12p, 7/26/22
MoragaBear said:
Remember what McKnight said about how many slots that normally would've gone to prep players are going to portal guys. There aren't nearly as many scholarships available for good prep players anymore.
I'm not sure about that. Every portal player who uses a scholarship at the new school frees up a scholarship at the previous school. I can see top programs taking a proven top portal player instead of an uncertain high school kid but we don't have a top program. We've lost better players to the portal than we've gained and if we're not signing high school kids I think it's because they don't want to play in this program.
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calumnus
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In reply to HoopDreams • 10:13p, 7/26/22
HoopDreams said:
at a major HS program and at 6-7 with a shot he was not over looked

he must be a poor defender to not get more offers

I think he helps us early... is this season too much to ask?

we need shooters


Yes, some noticeably bad defense in the videos. Skinny, slow and meek looking, so not too surprising he was not highly rated despite good offensive production. He has skills. He can shoot, has a good handle and can drive with either hand, though not a real strong finisher, but not due to effort, just needs to get into the strength program. I'm sure he had D2 and IVy offers, so glad to get him as a walk-on. We have a lot of guys at his presumed position, but only a couple can shoot so who knows? Though Fox is not Ben Braun in his use of walkons.
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MoragaBear
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In reply to stu • 10:19p, 7/26/22
Staff
stu said:
MoragaBear said:
Remember what McKnight said about how many slots that normally would've gone to prep players are going to portal guys. There aren't nearly as many scholarships available for good prep players anymore.
I'm not sure about that. Every portal player who uses a scholarship at the new school frees up a scholarship at the previous school. I can see top programs taking a proven top portal player instead of an uncertain high school kid but we don't have a top program. We've lost better players to the portal than we've gained and if we're not signing high school kids I think it's because they don't want to play in this program.
Think of how many portal players, including Cal's portal recruits, who came from programs recruits like him will usually not choose to play for vs. a preferred walk-on offer from Cal. Guys like Foreman and Shepherd were guys taking up scholarships that never used to get taken by players like them but rather by prep players.
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Big C
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In reply to HoopDreams • 10:25p, 7/26/22
HoopDreams said:
at a major HS program and at 6-7 with a shot he was not over looked

he must be a poor defender to not get more offers

I think he helps us early... is this season too much to ask?

we need shooters

pretty big ask
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calumnus
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In reply to stu • 10:28p, 7/26/22
stu said:
MoragaBear said:
Remember what McKnight said about how many slots that normally would've gone to prep players are going to portal guys. There aren't nearly as many scholarships available for good prep players anymore.
I'm not sure about that. Every portal player who uses a scholarship at the new school frees up a scholarship at the previous school. I can see top programs taking a proven top portal player instead of an uncertain high school kid but we don't have a top program. We've lost better players to the portal than we've gained and if we're not signing high school kids I think it's because they don't want to play in this program.


I think what is happening is players that excel at a lower level are leaving via the portal for Power conference teams. We have definitely seen that at Cal. That means there are fewer openings for HS recruits in the power conferences, but more openings at the lower levels. So whereas a desperate Fox MIGHT have given McCloskey a last minute scholarship to fill out his class in the past, that instead went to two players in the Portal. Thus McCloskey's options were sign with a lower level team who have a lot of openings or walk-on at a power conference team like Cal.
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calumnus
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In reply to MoragaBear • 3:55a, 7/27/22
MoragaBear said:
stu said:
MoragaBear said:
Remember what McKnight said about how many slots that normally would've gone to prep players are going to portal guys. There aren't nearly as many scholarships available for good prep players anymore.
I'm not sure about that. Every portal player who uses a scholarship at the new school frees up a scholarship at the previous school. I can see top programs taking a proven top portal player instead of an uncertain high school kid but we don't have a top program. We've lost better players to the portal than we've gained and if we're not signing high school kids I think it's because they don't want to play in this program.
Think of how many portal players, including Cal's portal recruits, who came from programs recruits like him will usually not choose to play for vs. a preferred walk-on offer from Cal. Guys like Foreman and Shepherd were guys taking up scholarships that never used to get taken by players like them but rather by prep players.


Yes, what is happening is top teams are taking a mix of top HS recruits and portal players, so there are more openings at the lower level, or you walk on at a higher level.
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stu
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In reply to calumnus • 6:00a, 7/27/22
calumnus said:
[... Thus McCloskey's options were sign with a lower level team who have a lot of openings or walk-on at a power conference team like Cal.
Power conference, yes, at least for now. Power conference team, no.
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HearstMining
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In reply to calumnus • 8:00a, 7/27/22
calumnus said:
HoopDreams said:
at a major HS program and at 6-7 with a shot he was not over looked

he must be a poor defender to not get more offers

I think he helps us early... is this season too much to ask?

we need shooters


Yes, some noticeably bad defense in the videos. Skinny, slow and meek looking, so not too surprising he was not highly rated despite good offensive production. He has skills. He can shoot, has a good handle and can drive with either hand, though not a real strong finisher, but not due to effort, just needs to get into the strength program. I'm sure he had D2 and IVy offers, so glad to get him as a walk-on. We have a lot of guys at his presumed position, but only a couple can shoot so who knows? Though Fox is not Ben Braun in his use of walkons.
That's a fair point. D@mn, that shoots down my RFK-like hopes. I'll just hope that in a year or two, the kid grows into his body, improves strength and quickness, and that somebody else is on the bench deciding who gets the minutes.
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KoreAmBear
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In reply to stu • 12:03p, 7/27/22
stu said:
calumnus said:
[... Thus McCloskey's options were sign with a lower level team who have a lot of openings or walk-on at a power conference team like Cal.
Power conference, yes, at least for now. Power conference team, no.
Speaking of Power, could McCloskey be like a former Braun walkon Powers?

With our dearth of talent, Fox needs to get his PWO program going. He doesn't have much time so he needs to try anything and everything. I hope he sees the urgency, unless our AD gives him another COVID extension. *Sigh*
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sluggo
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In reply to KoreAmBear • 5:15p, 7/27/22
KoreAmBear said:
stu said:
calumnus said:
[... Thus McCloskey's options were sign with a lower level team who have a lot of openings or walk-on at a power conference team like Cal.
Power conference, yes, at least for now. Power conference team, no.
Speaking of Power, could McCloskey be like a former Braun walkon Powers?

With our dearth of talent, Fox needs to get his PWO program going. He doesn't much time so he needs to try anything and everything. I hope he sees the urgency, unless our AD gives him another COVID extension. *Sigh*
Not a bad comparison. Like Powers he might plays at times because he can shoot, but not play much because he is not a good enough athlete. But maybe after S&C and additional physical maturity, McCloskey because a real contributor. It could happen. Just like it could happen that the other walkon who is a good athlete develops better skills.

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calumnus
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5:41p, 7/27/22
The real wildcard here is Askew. He was a scorer in HS, but not in college so far (mostly I'm assuming because he was PG on two top teams with lots of scoring options). Can he transform himself into a scoring combo guard, playing a lot of time at the 2? Because I think that is what he is going to be asked to do.
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HoopDreams
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In reply to sluggo • 9:53p, 7/27/22
sluggo said:
KoreAmBear said:
stu said:
calumnus said:
[... Thus McCloskey's options were sign with a lower level team who have a lot of openings or walk-on at a power conference team like Cal.
Power conference, yes, at least for now. Power conference team, no.
Speaking of Power, could McCloskey be like a former Braun walkon Powers?

With our dearth of talent, Fox needs to get his PWO program going. He doesn't much time so he needs to try anything and everything. I hope he sees the urgency, unless our AD gives him another COVID extension. *Sigh*
Not a bad comparison. Like Powers he might plays at times because he can shoot, but not play much because he is not a good enough athlete. But maybe after S&C and additional physical maturity, McCloskey because a real contributor. It could happen. Just like it could happen that the other walkon who is a good athlete develops better skills.
yes, powers is the closest match. powers was a good shooter, but horrible defender.

however I don't think powers was 6-7, nor from a powerhouse HS.

McCloskey was likely recruited by Mater Dei so they saw some potential, and he played against top HS players in practice. Probably wasn't a starter, but likely got significant PT as a lot of Mater Dei games were not close.

the problem with this comparison, is powers wasn't really a help until his junior year.
Cal needs help now.

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MoragaBear
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In reply to HoopDreams • 10:28p, 7/27/22
Staff
HoopDreams said:
sluggo said:
KoreAmBear said:
stu said:
calumnus said:
[... Thus McCloskey's options were sign with a lower level team who have a lot of openings or walk-on at a power conference team like Cal.
Power conference, yes, at least for now. Power conference team, no.
Speaking of Power, could McCloskey be like a former Braun walkon Powers?

With our dearth of talent, Fox needs to get his PWO program going. He doesn't much time so he needs to try anything and everything. I hope he sees the urgency, unless our AD gives him another COVID extension. *Sigh*
Not a bad comparison. Like Powers he might plays at times because he can shoot, but not play much because he is not a good enough athlete. But maybe after S&C and additional physical maturity, McCloskey because a real contributor. It could happen. Just like it could happen that the other walkon who is a good athlete develops better skills.
yes, powers is the closest match. powers was a good shooter, but horrible defender.

however I don't think powers was 6-7, nor from a powerhouse HS.

McCloskey was likely recruited by Mater Dei so they saw some potential, and he played against top HS players in practice. Probably wasn't a starter, but likely got significant PT as a lot of Mater Dei games were not close.

the problem with this comparison, is powers wasn't really a help until his junior year.
Cal needs help now.
He was 1st team all-Trinity league and 2nd team all-CIF. Hard to imagine him earning either honor without starting.
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HoopDreams
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In reply to MoragaBear • 10:47p, 7/27/22
MoragaBear said:
HoopDreams said:
sluggo said:
KoreAmBear said:
stu said:
calumnus said:
[... Thus McCloskey's options were sign with a lower level team who have a lot of openings or walk-on at a power conference team like Cal.
Power conference, yes, at least for now. Power conference team, no.
Speaking of Power, could McCloskey be like a former Braun walkon Powers?

With our dearth of talent, Fox needs to get his PWO program going. He doesn't much time so he needs to try anything and everything. I hope he sees the urgency, unless our AD gives him another COVID extension. *Sigh*
Not a bad comparison. Like Powers he might plays at times because he can shoot, but not play much because he is not a good enough athlete. But maybe after S&C and additional physical maturity, McCloskey because a real contributor. It could happen. Just like it could happen that the other walkon who is a good athlete develops better skills.
yes, powers is the closest match. powers was a good shooter, but horrible defender.

however I don't think powers was 6-7, nor from a powerhouse HS.

McCloskey was likely recruited by Mater Dei so they saw some potential, and he played against top HS players in practice. Probably wasn't a starter, but likely got significant PT as a lot of Mater Dei games were not close.

the problem with this comparison, is powers wasn't really a help until his junior year.
Cal needs help now.
He was 1st team all-Trinity league and 2nd team all-CIF. Hard to imagine him earning either honor without starting.
that's great to hear. if he started at Mater Dei then that is even more promising.

I think every one would agree he is a great walkon pickup, and I'm hopeful he can help us early (this year or next year?)

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Civil Bear
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11:37p, 7/27/22
I thought Powers was a transfer. He was also a 2-time 1st team regional selection from a power HS (De La Salle ranked #6 nationally at the time).
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MoragaBear
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In reply to Civil Bear • 12:12a, 7/28/22
Staff
Civil Bear said:
I thought Powers was a transfer. He was also a 2-time 1st team regional selection from a power HS (De La Salle ranked #6 nationally at the time).
Yes he transferred as a freshman from Denver but I doubt he was 1st team all-region if his Cal bio only cites all-league. And big difference between the Trinity League and BVAL. Not saying he'll be better or worse than Powers, though.

Freshman (2009-10): Transferred to Cal from Denver halfway through the 2009-10 season.

High School: First team all-BVAL/EBAL in 2008-09 and 2009-10
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calumnus
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In reply to MoragaBear • 4:09a, 7/28/22
MoragaBear said:
Civil Bear said:
I thought Powers was a transfer. He was also a 2-time 1st team regional selection from a power HS (De La Salle ranked #6 nationally at the time).
Yes he transferred as a freshman from Denver but I doubt he was 1st team all-region if his Cal bio only cites all-league. And big difference between the Trinity League and BVAL. Not saying he'll be better or worse than Powers, though.

Freshman (2009-10): Transferred to Cal from Denver halfway through the 2009-10 season.

High School: First team all-BVAL/EBAL in 2008-09 and 2009-10


Powers was 6-7, 225. Definitely stronger, but on a Cal team with far more talent. This is a team where if any one of several players steps up they can be a starter.
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sluggo
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In reply to HoopDreams • 1:39p, 7/28/22
HoopDreams said:
sluggo said:
KoreAmBear said:
stu said:
calumnus said:
[... Thus McCloskey's options were sign with a lower level team who have a lot of openings or walk-on at a power conference team like Cal.
Power conference, yes, at least for now. Power conference team, no.
Speaking of Power, could McCloskey be like a former Braun walkon Powers?

With our dearth of talent, Fox needs to get his PWO program going. He doesn't much time so he needs to try anything and everything. I hope he sees the urgency, unless our AD gives him another COVID extension. *Sigh*
Not a bad comparison. Like Powers he might plays at times because he can shoot, but not play much because he is not a good enough athlete. But maybe after S&C and additional physical maturity, McCloskey because a real contributor. It could happen. Just like it could happen that the other walkon who is a good athlete develops better skills.
yes, powers is the closest match. powers was a good shooter, but horrible defender.

however I don't think powers was 6-7, nor from a powerhouse HS.

McCloskey was likely recruited by Mater Dei so they saw some potential, and he played against top HS players in practice. Probably wasn't a starter, but likely got significant PT as a lot of Mater Dei games were not close.

the problem with this comparison, is powers wasn't really a help until his junior year.
Cal needs help now.

Then maybe Cal should start recruiting scholarship players who are ready to play now. Since McCloskey clearly is not ready now. Nor are the two freshmen recruits.
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sluggo
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In reply to calumnus • 1:44p, 7/28/22
calumnus said:
The real wildcard here is Askew. He was a scorer in HS, but not in college so far (mostly I'm assuming because he was PG on two top teams with lots of scoring options). Can he transform himself into a scoring combo guard, playing a lot of time at the 2? Because I think that is what he is going to be asked to do.
The other part is that the ball did not go in when he shot it. At Kentucky 39% on 2s and 28% on 3s. I don't count last year, he was probably demoralized not playing much after so much hype coming out of high school.

In high school he showed a Chris Paul style game. Dip the left shoulder, fall back into the shot. But at the college level where he is not an athletic threat to blow by, I am not sure how well that will work. He will be given opportunities because the talent is so low, and hopefully he has learned what it takes.
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SFCityBear
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In reply to sluggo • 3:13p, 7/28/22
sluggo said:
HoopDreams said:
sluggo said:
KoreAmBear said:
stu said:
calumnus said:
[... Thus McCloskey's options were sign with a lower level team who have a lot of openings or walk-on at a power conference team like Cal.
Power conference, yes, at least for now. Power conference team, no.
Speaking of Power, could McCloskey be like a former Braun walkon Powers?

With our dearth of talent, Fox needs to get his PWO program going. He doesn't much time so he needs to try anything and everything. I hope he sees the urgency, unless our AD gives him another COVID extension. *Sigh*
Not a bad comparison. Like Powers he might plays at times because he can shoot, but not play much because he is not a good enough athlete. But maybe after S&C and additional physical maturity, McCloskey because a real contributor. It could happen. Just like it could happen that the other walkon who is a good athlete develops better skills.
yes, powers is the closest match. powers was a good shooter, but horrible defender.

however I don't think powers was 6-7, nor from a powerhouse HS.

McCloskey was likely recruited by Mater Dei so they saw some potential, and he played against top HS players in practice. Probably wasn't a starter, but likely got significant PT as a lot of Mater Dei games were not close.

the problem with this comparison, is powers wasn't really a help until his junior year.
Cal needs help now.

Then maybe Cal should start recruiting scholarship players who are ready to play now. Since McCloskey clearly is not ready now. Nor are the two freshmen recruits.
You are probably right, as very few freshmen are capable of starting right away, and giving a good accounting of themselves, unless a team has few capable veterans. Those few freshmen who are a cinch to start, are usually snapped up by good teams in the power conferences.

But I am always skeptical of the comments we make before seeing the players play in person for our team. "Clearly not ready" has some finality to it, which if you haven't seen in person the players play in games vs well-regarded opponents, means little. Watching video of full games is useful, but video edited to highlight a player's best moments, means far less. I seem to remember last season before the freshmen arrived on campus, reading comments in this forum indicating Aliajiki would probably not start or be in the rotation. I think he arrived in Berkeley as already one of our better players, and he clearly could have started. Over the years, many players have improved a lot over the summer between high school and college. I don't see the need to bury them now. Let's wait and see what we have got.
SFCityBear
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01Bear
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In reply to calumnus • 3:50p, 7/28/22
calumnus said:
The real wildcard here is Askew. He was a scorer in HS, but not in college so far (mostly I'm assuming because he was PG on two top teams with lots of scoring options). Can he transform himself into a scoring combo guard, playing a lot of time at the 2? Because I think that is what he is going to be asked to do.
I don't think he'll need to play the 2. If he can be a redux of Justin Cobbs, he'll be just fine for Cal. IIRC, Justin played the 1 but he could also score. That's really what Cal will need out of Askew.
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sluggo
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In reply to SFCityBear • 4:50p, 7/28/22
SFCityBear said:
sluggo said:
HoopDreams said:
sluggo said:
KoreAmBear said:
stu said:
calumnus said:
[... Thus McCloskey's options were sign with a lower level team who have a lot of openings or walk-on at a power conference team like Cal.
Power conference, yes, at least for now. Power conference team, no.
Speaking of Power, could McCloskey be like a former Braun walkon Powers?

With our dearth of talent, Fox needs to get his PWO program going. He doesn't much time so he needs to try anything and everything. I hope he sees the urgency, unless our AD gives him another COVID extension. *Sigh*
Not a bad comparison. Like Powers he might plays at times because he can shoot, but not play much because he is not a good enough athlete. But maybe after S&C and additional physical maturity, McCloskey because a real contributor. It could happen. Just like it could happen that the other walkon who is a good athlete develops better skills.
yes, powers is the closest match. powers was a good shooter, but horrible defender.

however I don't think powers was 6-7, nor from a powerhouse HS.

McCloskey was likely recruited by Mater Dei so they saw some potential, and he played against top HS players in practice. Probably wasn't a starter, but likely got significant PT as a lot of Mater Dei games were not close.

the problem with this comparison, is powers wasn't really a help until his junior year.
Cal needs help now.

Then maybe Cal should start recruiting scholarship players who are ready to play now. Since McCloskey clearly is not ready now. Nor are the two freshmen recruits.
You are probably right, as very few freshmen are capable of starting right away, and giving a good accounting of themselves, unless a team has few capable veterans. Those few freshmen who are a cinch to start, are usually snapped up by good teams in the power conferences.

But I am always skeptical of the comments we make before seeing the players play in person for our team. "Clearly not ready" has some finality to it, which if you haven't seen in person the players play in games vs well-regarded opponents, means little. Watching video of full games is useful, but video edited to highlight a player's best moments, means far less. I seem to remember last season before the freshmen arrived on campus, reading comments in this forum indicating Aliajiki would probably not start or be in the rotation. I think he arrived in Berkeley as already one of our better players, and he clearly could have started. Over the years, many players have improved a lot over the summer between high school and college. I don't see the need to bury them now. Let's wait and see what we have got.
I would write something different if what I wrote had any bearing. I can't bury anyone. Alajiki scored 3 points a game last year. Players only improve, but the level needed is also higher. I have seen Cal recruits play a lot. Except for Newell who has not played basically the last two years.
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calumnus
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In reply to 01Bear • 8:59p, 7/28/22
01Bear said:
calumnus said:
The real wildcard here is Askew. He was a scorer in HS, but not in college so far (mostly I'm assuming because he was PG on two top teams with lots of scoring options). Can he transform himself into a scoring combo guard, playing a lot of time at the 2? Because I think that is what he is going to be asked to do.
I don't think he'll need to play the 2. If he can be a redux of Justin Cobbs, he'll be just fine for Cal. IIRC, Justin played the 1 but he could also score. That's really what Cal will need out of Askew.


That would be great, but that could have been Shepherd last year, instead he got most of his minutes at the two along side Brown. And that was with Celestine available at the 2.

As I have said in other threads, it is unclear what our guard rotation will be, but Fox has gone with Brown as his starting PG for three years now, so seems highly likely he goes with him as a senior. That would leave the starting 2 position as the big opening, with a lot of candidates but none of them obvious shoe-ins. The big need is scoring. Fox may try a lot of combos to see what works and who steps up.
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Big C
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In reply to calumnus • 11:56p, 7/28/22

Brown, Askew and Clayton should all get big minutes, Seems like the 1 and the 2 will often be interchangeable. Roberson and Hyder will get a chance to earn time.

Askew and Clayton should be welcome additions to a team trying to best its last-season record.

X-factors will be Bowser and Anyanwu.

Maybe some guys will surprise; it's pretty much our only hope.
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HearstMining
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In reply to calumnus • 11:16a, 7/29/22
calumnus said:
01Bear said:
calumnus said:
The real wildcard here is Askew. He was a scorer in HS, but not in college so far (mostly I'm assuming because he was PG on two top teams with lots of scoring options). Can he transform himself into a scoring combo guard, playing a lot of time at the 2? Because I think that is what he is going to be asked to do.
I don't think he'll need to play the 2. If he can be a redux of Justin Cobbs, he'll be just fine for Cal. IIRC, Justin played the 1 but he could also score. That's really what Cal will need out of Askew.


That would be great, but that could have been Shepherd last year, instead he got most of his minutes at the two along side Brown. And that was with Celestine available at the 2.

As I have said in other threads, it is unclear what our guard rotation will be, but Fox has gone with Brown as his starting PG for three years now, so seems highly likely he goes with him as a senior. That would leave the starting 2 position as the big opening, with a lot of candidates but none of them obvious shoe-ins. The big need is scoring. Fox may try a lot of combos to see what works and who steps up.
I thought the offense (such as it was) ran better when Shepherd was at the point. His vision and passing accuracy allowed him to get better shots for himself and more importantly, get the ball to teammates who were in position to take good shots. He wasn't a consistently accurate shooter, but he had his moments. I sure hope the two new guys can fill that gap and that Brown gets playing time based on what he does on the court, not because he's been a starter for the previous three seasons.
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KoreAmBear
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In reply to HearstMining • 12:07p, 7/29/22
HearstMining said:
calumnus said:
01Bear said:
calumnus said:
The real wildcard here is Askew. He was a scorer in HS, but not in college so far (mostly I'm assuming because he was PG on two top teams with lots of scoring options). Can he transform himself into a scoring combo guard, playing a lot of time at the 2? Because I think that is what he is going to be asked to do.
I don't think he'll need to play the 2. If he can be a redux of Justin Cobbs, he'll be just fine for Cal. IIRC, Justin played the 1 but he could also score. That's really what Cal will need out of Askew.


That would be great, but that could have been Shepherd last year, instead he got most of his minutes at the two along side Brown. And that was with Celestine available at the 2.

As I have said in other threads, it is unclear what our guard rotation will be, but Fox has gone with Brown as his starting PG for three years now, so seems highly likely he goes with him as a senior. That would leave the starting 2 position as the big opening, with a lot of candidates but none of them obvious shoe-ins. The big need is scoring. Fox may try a lot of combos to see what works and who steps up.
I thought the offense (such as it was) ran better when Shepherd was at the point. His vision and passing accuracy allowed him to get better shots for himself and more importantly, get the ball to teammates who were in position to take good shots. He wasn't a consistently accurate shooter, but he had his moments. I sure hope the two new guys can fill that gap and that Brown gets playing time based on what he does on the court, not because he's been a starter for the previous three seasons.
Let's hope Joel has made a huge jump in his shooting. Not sure what he did all summer, but having some shooting efficiency from him (from the field and the FG line) would be a big help. Let's also hope Okafor and Newell are actually serviceable as freshmen.
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