Based on who we've targeted and from conversations with the coaches, here's a perspective:
1.) We want longer, quicker athletes that are versatile in the positions they can play on the court. A lot less concerned about having a traditional 2/3/4/5 than anyone I can remember coaching at Cal.
2.) They don't mind playing small and in fact likely prefer it unless they have big men who can run and are very active with their feet on defense. They want to play up tempo and the emphasis is on winning on defense through pressure and denial of good shots
3.) They love high motor kids, who give all they've got every possession and truly enjoy playing defense.
4.) Athleticism that can allow for easy switching on defense, multiple attack vectors off the dribble, shot blockers and steal makers across the board are highly valued
5.) They will err on the side of kids who are physically and mentally tough and value competitiveness over skills if necessary
6.) My guess is that ideally they would have a heady and quick playmaker at the one spot who creates for others, pressures the ball and is a leader. Less important that they score or dominate the ball. Ideal big man is someone who sees defense and rebounding first and second and looks to score by running in transition
7.) They will live with fewer shooters in terms of HS pedigree. I bet they like the upside of Brown and Rabb as face up jumpers but feel like that's secondary given they have Mathews, Bird and Domingo. It's less about having five shooters and more about having five defenders who play hard.
8.) They're going to play to the strengths of each unit but in general their system fits guys who like to play pressure half court defense, are unselfish with the ball and can get up and down the court. Aggressive mentalities and tough minded kids are the types Cuonzo wants at Cal
1.) We want longer, quicker athletes that are versatile in the positions they can play on the court. A lot less concerned about having a traditional 2/3/4/5 than anyone I can remember coaching at Cal.
2.) They don't mind playing small and in fact likely prefer it unless they have big men who can run and are very active with their feet on defense. They want to play up tempo and the emphasis is on winning on defense through pressure and denial of good shots
3.) They love high motor kids, who give all they've got every possession and truly enjoy playing defense.
4.) Athleticism that can allow for easy switching on defense, multiple attack vectors off the dribble, shot blockers and steal makers across the board are highly valued
5.) They will err on the side of kids who are physically and mentally tough and value competitiveness over skills if necessary
6.) My guess is that ideally they would have a heady and quick playmaker at the one spot who creates for others, pressures the ball and is a leader. Less important that they score or dominate the ball. Ideal big man is someone who sees defense and rebounding first and second and looks to score by running in transition
7.) They will live with fewer shooters in terms of HS pedigree. I bet they like the upside of Brown and Rabb as face up jumpers but feel like that's secondary given they have Mathews, Bird and Domingo. It's less about having five shooters and more about having five defenders who play hard.
8.) They're going to play to the strengths of each unit but in general their system fits guys who like to play pressure half court defense, are unselfish with the ball and can get up and down the court. Aggressive mentalities and tough minded kids are the types Cuonzo wants at Cal
