Cal fans didn't have a lot to cheer about in Thursday's 66-53 loss to Oregon, but one positive was the play of junior guard Don Coleman.
The Bears' leading scorer returned to the court after missing two games due to a violation of team rules, and he played well, Coleman scored a team-high 16 points on 5-of-11 shooting in 34 minutes off the bench. He also recorded five rebounds and two steals, and just one turnover.
"I thought he was really good tonight," said Cal head coach Wyking Jones. "I liked the fact that he slowed his game down. He didn't look like he was just running around out of control. He was very under control and he picked his spots to look to attack."
"I just tried to stay aggressive like I always do," Coleman added. "Luckily the shots fell."
It's the 'under control' part that is most important when discussing Coleman. When he plays like he did Thursday night, he is a valuable member of Cal's team, providing energy on both ends of the floor. When he starts to force things, he is a detriment to the team, taking the whole offense out of rhythm with low percentage shots and turnovers.
Unfortunately, even when Coleman does play under control, this year's Cal team is clearly undermanned. While we have witnessed improvement from the beginning of the season, the Bears still lack the talent and depth to compete against most of the Pac-12.
The good news is that reinforcements are on the way. Next season, the Bears will add Paris Austin, Matt Bradley, Jacobi Gordon, and Andre Kelly, and possibly highly touted big men Jordan Brown and Charles Bassey.
For now, Cal fans will have to enjoy the small things. Thursday, it was a stellar performance by Don Coleman.
He did restrain his insane forays to the hoop somewhat, but there still were some that were among his worst, where there is about one chance in a thousand that good will come of it.
It is painful to read about Coleman's play, as if it were something worth cheering.
Maybe we should see brightness in Don's not throwing any of his attempted layups entirely over the backboard?
Yeah, one data point, and it certainly feels like a "concerted" effort to rehabilitate Colemans image as a team player after coming off a not shocking suspension. I take it at face value, a step in the right direction. Certainly better than the alternative, bad attitude and worse play. Is that a bright spot, ok thats where we are so be it....
