The WriteForCalifornia gang is expanding this year to also cover the Valkyries. Here's my recap and of what unfolded tonight with the Flau'jae Johnson draft selection and subsequent trade for Marta Suarez. Thrilled to have Marta back in the Bay.
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Posts by Bentpawn(Don)
My WriteforCalifornia brethren have spun up a Golden State Valkyries grass roots journalism site. I'm looking forward to making basketball coverage a year round passion. Come check us out.
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My recap of yesterday's painful loss and end of the season for Cal. Hold on to good memories of a successful season before pivoting to off-season anxiety.
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My coffee mug for the day. I love March Madness.
(My oldest child is named Siena).
Some observations and picture from Charlotte. I'm already looking forward to Greensboro next year.
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How often should an adult male get a picture with Oski? Every chance they have? Once and only once? Only at big events? Annually, like around your birthday?
My favorite picture from Charlotte.
Watching Duke/FSU in person makes me more resolved that Cal needs to get to this level.
Must resist the urge to doom and gloom tonight's result and be content that Cal reached 21 wins, after being 3-30 4 years ago.
Cal is befuddled by FSU's zone, with too much perimeter passing instead of motion through the zone to loosen it up. FSU leads 34-25 with 3:32 left in 1H.
Young'un repping the Chris Bell signed jersey. I have so many questions.
@mpete91.bsky.social
Packing up to head to Charlotte for the ACC Tourney. Got my pile of stickers ready to cover The Spectrum.
I had the opportunity to attend a panel discussion and reception for Haas School of Business Women's Sports Leadership Academy last week. My recap of some of the themes covered and how have me something to think on about my view on fandom.
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Cal dispatches of Wake Forest today, able to rest their starters down the stretch as they pulled away.
That's two dominant games in a row, albeit against struggling teams. Cal carries good momentum into tomorrow's game against Syracuse.
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Agreed on Twidale, Barnes, Maul. I think you need to keep Puff from an optics perspective. Not good to have an injured All-American recruit transfer out after 1 year. Plus she will get better.
I would like to to keep Naya. Sneaky efficient in low post.
That's my 5 to prioritize.
Cal lost the easiest remaining game on their schedule today. No margin of error left, plus will need at least one win in ACC Tourney to go dancing.
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Ilic's tape coming from MD-Eastern Shore was impressive, so much that I've been waiting for a breakthrough.
He had is best offensive game tonight with 16/14, and was responsible for getting the game to double OT.
He was also the reason Cal lost.
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Cal outscores Pitt 95-80 to kick off the day. Plenty of firepower, but lacking on defense which allowed Pitt to hang around the entire second half.
Plus a few clips showing Gisella Maul's versatility, and a couple lowlights from the ACC announcing crew.
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My recap of Clemson's domination of Cal. I don't think we learned anything new tonight about the Bears. We have 4 more weeks of living on the bubble.
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My recap of Cal's victory over Notre Dame. It was fun watching Hannah Hidalgo struggle for 40 minutes against Mjracle Sheppard's exceptional defense.
That's 3 wins in a row for Cal. A win against Louisville on Sunday opens up NCAA Tourney talk once again.
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My recap of Cal's victory today over Stanford. To quote Coach Smith, "’m just glad that we were able to have a moment to smile and feel good with a win today.”
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My recap of Cal's victory this afternoon over UNC. After a rough start to conference play, John Camden has been on fire for the Bears. It's a good sign for the rest of the season.
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This is the time of year where I consider sinuses to be an evolutionary mistake.
My recap of Cal's season opening win over CSU-Bakersfield. Pippen, Camden and Dort form an intriguing core for the Bears, with depth to mix and match around them. This may be a fun year.
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The team is very drive-and-dish oriented tonight. Impressed by Maul and Barnes so far.
In which Coach Charmin Smith and I talk about Cal Women's Basketball, challenges both on and off the court for the coming season, her and the team's interaction with the WNBA Valkyries, and her favorite food spots near campus. @wgoldenstate.bsky.social
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Recapping a recent phone convo I had with Coach Madsen, where he calls his shot for the number of wins this year(plus other coach-speak and factoids).
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It's mid August, so let's take a look at the Cal Men's Basketball roster. I am weirdly optimistic about this season.
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Oh god the urge to go look at twitter is so strong right now...must resist.