This week I thought it would be fun to look ahead at Cal's schedule and identify some key games to look for in the season. So what I'll do is list five games that should be of interest on the schedule. Enjoy!
1. 2K Classic vs. Syracuse in New York, NY (Nov. 20): This will be a fun game to watch since Syracuse has such a quality basketball program and Cal has a recent history with them. Cal faced Syracuse last year in Hawaii and the year before that, they got bounced by Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament. Cal is becoming more familiar with Syracuse and their unique 2-3 zone defensive scheme, which means that perhaps the third time is the charm. Plus, in the most recent USA Today coaches poll, Syracuse came in ranked at #24. Cal will get to face one of the best teams in the country early on, which could serve them well later in the season.
2. Cal vs. Wisconsin in Berkeley, CA (December 22): Further up the rankings in the USA Today coaches poll is Wisconsin, who right now are ranked #4 in the country. This is a game that Cal players have circled on their calendars. Wisconsin was a Final Four team last season, and they once again are expected to be really good. I was present at the Cal-Arizona game last season and I must say it was pandemonium at Haas Pavilion. I expect a similarly electric atmosphere in Berkeley when the Badgers come to town. This one will be fun.
3. Cal vs. Stanford (January 14) and Cal @Stanford (February 21):
I'm pairing these two games together since both games against Stanford are always crazy. Each team won on the other team's floor last season and I'm sure both teams will be eager to get the sweep and certainly hold home court. These rivalry games always have a special buzz to them and it'll be interesting to see how this relatively young Cal team does after already having faced Wisconsin. Plus, Stanford is a team on the edge of being ranked at the moment. Odds are good they are a top 25 team by the time Cal faces them.
4. Cal @ Utah (February 15): Like Stanford, Utah is a team that is on the cusp of being in the top 25 and likely will be in the top 25 at some point in the season. Utah beat Cal in Berkeley last season and now Cal will have a chance to return the favor. It will be tough for Cal since Utah plays at high elevation and is expected to be really good. If Cal can win in Utah on the road, this would be a huge boost to their tournament resume.
5. Cal vs. Arizona (January 24): After losing at Haas Pavilion, it will be interesting to see how Arizona responds in their return to the place where Justin Cobbs hit perhaps the greatest shot in the history of Cal Basketball. Arizona is ranked #2 at the moment and once again is expected to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Will Deja vu happen again at Haas or will the Wildcats get revenge?
---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord
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