California freshman Jabari Bird returns to practice
By Joe Nardone
Dec 22, 2013; Omaha, NE, USA; California Golden Bears guard Jabari Bird (23) gets a loose ball away from Creighton Bluejays guard Grant Gibbs (10) during their NCAA mens basketball game at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Dave Weaver-USA TODAY Sports
The California Golden Bears are off to a great start to the season. Undefeated in league play (3-0), with some big boy wins and a 12-4 overall record, Cal couldn’t have asked for things to be any better. Well, except that they have been without their talented freshman, Jabari Bird, the last four games — which included a huge win over the Oregon Ducks.
Now, however, that looks like it is about to change. John Rothstein has reported that the Bird (yes, I want his nickname to be “The Bird”) — who is averaging just a shade over 11 points per — should be a go for Cal’s game against Washington on Wednesday.
The Golden Bears still have a long way to go before securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament, but it looks all gravy at the moment. If they were able to play as well as they have without Bird, but now have him back and he is still growing as a player, the sky might be the limit for this team.
It will also be interesting to see how the rest of the Pac 12 schedule plays out for Cal. Are they a legitimate threat to win the regular season crown? I am not sure as they do play in the same league as the Arizona Wildcats, although, you can never count out a Golden Bear.
Because, you know, they are so much better than other bears.