California flies Friday to Northern Europe for a five-games-in-10-days tour that includes exhibitions against the Norwegian and Danish national teams.
When the Bears leave, junior forward Bak Bak will remain in Berkely due to passport concerns. Everyone else is expected to play.
The Golden Bears finished 18-15 last season, tied for fourth in the Pac-10 and advanced to the second round of the NIT. Many believe they're a contender to capture the inaugural Pac-12 regular-season title because they lose just one player and return four starters including senior guard Jorge Gutierrez, a first-team all-conference pick as a junior and MVP candidate next season, and Allen Crabbe, the league's Freshman of the Year last season.
During their trip all eyes will be on newcomers guard Justin Cobbs and forward David Kravish. Cobbs, a transfer from Minnesota who sat out last season, is expected to challenge incumbent Brandon Smith, a junior and former walkon, for the point guard job.
The video (below) is from a recent scrimmage. Unless you're a Bears fans, it's a little difficult to identify the players. However, near the end of the clip there's highlights of newcomers Cobbs, Kravish and Christian Behrens, the freshman from Kent's Tahoma High.
I'm hearing glowing reports about Cobbs. If he's as good as advertised, Cal could make a serious run in March.
The Bears finalized its schedule this week and Jeff Faraudo at the Oakland Tribune breaks down the non-conference schedule.
Cal is one of four Pac-12 teams making overseas trips this summer. USC travels to Brazil this week, Oregon is going to Italy on Aug. 22 and Stanford is making a trip to Spain Sept. 3.
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