Braun / Media Confab Wednesday

Coach Ben Braun met with the media today a Haas Pavilion, and the big news centered on Cal junior forward Theo Robertson.

Braun told the media that Robertson had been cleared for limited full-court participation in practice. Braun called it a "step in the right direction," and indicated that Cal would learn a lot more about Robertson's condition in the next two weeks.

The key to watch will be how Robertson's body responds to the increased workload.

The head coach and the players are hoping for the best. Braun called Robertson the best defender on the team.

Ryan Anderson said, "Theo is the missing link. He can rebound, defend and score."

Braun said that Robertson is now "likely to play this season if he can be a significant contributor."

At practice, Robertson seemed to be moving well in full-court drills. He ran hard, shot the ball, and defended.

Cal will take on Long Beach State at 5 p.m. Friday at Haas Pavilion in the first game of the Golden Bear Classic. The 49ers, coached by former Gonzaga and Minnesota mentor Dan Monson in his first year at Long Beach, will come in with a record of 3-6. Junior guard Donovan Morris, a transfer from Fresno State, leads Long Beach in scoring at 16.6 ppg.

Ben Braun said that he has been impressed with the 49ers quickness and transition game. Monson is rebuilding the team at Long Beach and has only four returning players who saw game action in 2006-07. Cal will have a significant size advantage as well.

In other comments, Braun talked about the need for Jerome Randle to "take what the defense gives him." Randle has been trying to do too much, Braun said, and indicated that he wants Randle to "see the floor and make his teammates better."

Said Randle, "I need to be on my A game all the time." Cal will need better play from Randle and Nikola Knezevic in order to reach their inherent potential.

Braun also briefly discussed the possibility of playing Harper Kamp, DeVon Hardin and Anderson as a group - but noted that this grouping might require Cal to play more zone defense.

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