Pac-12 Basketball: Breaking down the 2017-18 star on each team in the conference
By Connor Hope
California Golden Bears – Marcus Lee
There is no doubt that California is in for a rough year, after losing the vast majority of its production. With Kingsley Okoroh as the top returning scorer (4.6 points per game), there is a lot of pressure on the Golden Bears’ new players to pick up big roles.
Perhaps the player best suited for the role of leader and star is Kentucky transfer Marcus Lee. Lee will be a good compliment to Okoroh in the front court, and they become the best shot blocking duo in the conference.
Lee had an underwhelming career with the Kentucky Wildcats before transferring but could find new life with a bigger role. Averaging 6.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, Lee took advantage of his limited time on the court and established himself as a solid interior defender in the past.
As a senior, Lee will have to be one of the team leaders, using his experience with Kentucky to drive a winning attitude with this young Cal squad. The Golden Bears are not a team that will do a lot of damage in the Pac-12, but if Lee can play to his potential they could finish better than expected.