I was skeptical that Bird coming back to his pre injury status would make that big a difference. I think that it IS the difference. That is not meant to minimize other guys who have stepped up. But the contributions of the other guys includes plusses and minimizes. Like Singer going big and Kravish disappearing against UCLA.
During the 6 game losing streak, where Bird was either not playing or not a contributor, we averaged 56+ pts and gave up 72+ for a 16 point differential. During the 4 game winning streak we have averaged 75 and given up 71.5. We scored 19 more and gave up about the same. So the difference is clearly on the offensive side. During the win streak Bird has averaged 12 pts/6 RB/3 AS. Those stats are worth at least 20 pts. The difference between the 4 wins and the 6 losses.
During the UCLA game Bird was "alive". This was highlighted by the putback at the end of the first half where he tomahawked the ball and flattened Mathews. When Bird is doing something good you can see the exhuberance. When he is struggling the disappointment is written all over his face. Wallace, by contrast, exhibits the same demeanor whether he has just made 3 threes or missed 5. I think Bird's best days are ahead of him. He can be really outstanding and carry Cal to unexpected wins. I only worry about his psyche. When he came back last year I'm not sure Monty did a great job helping him regain his confidence. I think Martin realizes what Jabari is capable of doing.
During the 6 game losing streak, where Bird was either not playing or not a contributor, we averaged 56+ pts and gave up 72+ for a 16 point differential. During the 4 game winning streak we have averaged 75 and given up 71.5. We scored 19 more and gave up about the same. So the difference is clearly on the offensive side. During the win streak Bird has averaged 12 pts/6 RB/3 AS. Those stats are worth at least 20 pts. The difference between the 4 wins and the 6 losses.
During the UCLA game Bird was "alive". This was highlighted by the putback at the end of the first half where he tomahawked the ball and flattened Mathews. When Bird is doing something good you can see the exhuberance. When he is struggling the disappointment is written all over his face. Wallace, by contrast, exhibits the same demeanor whether he has just made 3 threes or missed 5. I think Bird's best days are ahead of him. He can be really outstanding and carry Cal to unexpected wins. I only worry about his psyche. When he came back last year I'm not sure Monty did a great job helping him regain his confidence. I think Martin realizes what Jabari is capable of doing.
