CAL MEN’S BASKETBALL
Last season: 13-19, 9-11 (tied for sixth in the Pac-12).
Coach: Mark Madsen, second season, 13-19.
Season opener: Monday vs. Cal State Bakersfield, 8:30 p.m.
Projected starters: Senior guard Christian Tucker (11.3 points, 5.4 assists), junior guard DeJuan Campbell (11.6 points, 3.7 rebounds), sophomore guard Andrej Stojakovic (7.8 points, 3.4 rebounds), junior forward Rytis Petraitis (15.7 points, 6.3 rebounds), BJ Omot (16.7 points, 4.2 rebounds)
Key reserves: Freshman guard Jeremiah Wilkinson, graduate senior guard Jovan Blacksher Jr (4.8 points, 1.5 assists), freshman guard Stephon Marbury II, Mady Sissoko (3.3 points, 5.3 rebounds)
Strengths: Campbell, Tucker, Petraitis and Omot are all transfer portal additions that should make an immediate impact on offense. Stojakovic, son of former Sacramento Kings forward Peja Stojakovic, was a key addition from Stanford and will add shooting and playmaking from the perimeter. Freshman guards Jeremiah Wilkinson and Stephon Marbury II – son of former New York Knicks’ guard Stephon Marbury – add backcourt depth off the bench.
Weaknesses: Cal will have to replace leading scorer Jaylon Tyson, who was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in this past year’s NBA Draft. The Bears’ lack of size and athleticism could hurt them, especially against much bigger ACC teams as Cal is without much experience in the front court beyond Petraitis and Omot.
Outlook: Madsen will look to build on a solid first season that saw Cal upset NCAA tournament teams Oregon, Colorado and Washington State. But in a much tougher conference, the Bears might have to take expectations with a tough conference schedule that includes road games against national powerhouses Duke, North Carolina and NC State.