Bear Insider Podcast: Rancho Christian Combo Guard Rodney Brown

Today, we’ll be doing a mini-podcast with incoming Rancho Christian combo guard Rodney Brown‍ . The 6-6/180 4 star guard will bring some much-needed perimeter presence to the program, averaging as high as 42% from behind the arc along with 20 points, 3 assists, 6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in leading his program to a CIF championship and to the state playoffs as a senior. HIs AAU coach Ryan Silver calls Brown one of the best perimeter shooters in the country, with NBA potential.

Here’s a transcript of our conversation with Brown along with audio links: Soundcloud, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

BI: Rodney, thanks for taking the time to hop on here. Exciting time for you and for Cal fans right now with a transition between the former coaching regime and new head coach Mark Madsen, and Cal fans are happy to hear you reaffirm your decision to go to Cal. 

Let's talk a little bit about how you got to the point of committing to Cal first of all. How did Cal get on your radar? Did you see them much growing up? Or was it just sort of an overall package fit with academics, location and things like that?

Brown: Yeah, it was definitely an overall package fit. Location was big, education was obviously big. And then the relationship that I had built with the coaching staff was big.

BI: And when you had a chance to come up to Cal, what was the vibe for you there? How did you feel?

Brown: It felt like home soon as I got there. It's not too far from where I live. So it was like perfect for me.

BI: And what were some of the things that you liked about being on campus?

Brown: Probably the scenery, it's so green. I don't get to see that much over here. So I liked that a lot

BI: Was it a little bit of a surprise to you that Berkeley -the campus- was so beautiful? Did you expect it to be just kind of more urban?

Brown: Yeah, I wasn't expecting it. So it caught me by surprise.

BI: As far as the academic side goes, Do you have any idea what you want to study?

Brown: Yeah, I was thinking film and media or something around with like film 

BI: Well, my son just graduated with a film degree from Cal so maybe he could give you a few pointers there. 

So Coach Madison came along in the last week or two on the radar. How did he approach you initially?

Brown: We talked briefly. I know he has a lot going on now. But he was just saying that he's excited to coach me and excited to work with me. So that was amazing.

BI: And what are your feelings about him? I mean, what are your impressions?

Brown: I'm excited. He's played in the league. He's coached in the league. I like his style of play, like a run-and-gun coach. Seems like he lets his guys play. So I'm excited for sure.

BI: What did he tell you that he liked about your game?

Brown: I liked my versatility, that I'm able to shoot. He knows that Cal didn't really have a shooter last year, so he emphasized that a lot. He likes that I'm able to play multiple positions and guard multiple positions.

BI: What did you play most in high school?

Brown: So in the beginning of the season, I played more the one. I kind of had the ball more in my hands. And then once our transfers came in, I was kind of more off the ball and was able to score more. 

BI: Do you have any preference? 

Brown: I don't, whatever the team needs. 

BI: And beyond that, what are the things that you're looking to sharpen in your game?

Brown: I would say scoring, and I've been trying to work on scoring in smaller spaces. I know it'll be harder to score in college, so I've been working on that a lot. Been working on my body. I know I'll be having to take bumps and stuff like that. So I would say, my scoring ability, just tightening up stuff in that aspect and also working on my body as much as I can.

BI: And in your prep career. See, I think I saw that you averaged about 20 points junior year. And in terms of your team, I think you guys went 24-11 this year? Is that right? So did you win CIF and then lose in state?

Brown: We did. Yeah, we won CIF and we lost I believe in the second round of state.

BI: Did you guys feel like you got the most out of your talent this year? Were you pretty happy with how things went?

Brown: I think we could have also won state. I think we're everyone was upset with that. We're obviously glad we were able to win the CIF. But I think our last game could have went a little better.

BI: And you have had a chance to play with your future teammate Devin (Curtis). Have you guys established any kind of chemistry out there together?

Brown: Yes, for sure. That's my guy. I can't wait to play with him.

BI: And do you feel like your games complement each other at this stage?

Brown: Yeah, I think I think we'll be able to play well together.

BI: Are you interested to hear who Coach Madsen is going to be bringing on staff real soon, probably this week?

Brown: Yeah, for sure. I know they have one coach, Coach Matt, I spoke with him as well.

BI: And what are some of the things you're most looking forward to at the next level?

Brown: Honestly, everything. I know it'll be a great experience. People have been telling me about it. I'm just excited to get there and compete.

BI: Awesome. Well, we're glad to have you on board and look forward to having you up this summer. It's getting real close. 

Brown: For sure. I can't wait.

Related:

Cal Hoops' First Commit of '23 Class Rodney Brown Talks About Decision

Curtis, Brown Anxious For Arrival at Cal, Reaffirm Their Commitment