With reigning Pac-10 freshman of the year Leon Powe set to miss at least part of the upcoming season, Cal-bound DeVon Hardin will arrive on campus next fall with a legitimate opportunity to challenge for some starting minutes. Cyberbears was able to catch up with the Newark Memorial HS big man at the Slam N’ Jam Academic Athletic Showcase.

On Leon’s injury: "I know it's going to be a lot of responsibility for me. The only thing I can do is prepare myself and work hard."

DeVon Hardin - CyberBears Photo

DeVon's father reports that DeVon is now working out at Cal four days a week with Strength and Conditioning Coach Mike Blasquez.

On the progression of his skills on the court: "It's going good. Even in this game I can feel I have a little more ups. I definitely feel the upside of working out. I’m bigger and stronger now."

"(My game) is coming along. Dunking is my speciality but you can’t always do that at the next level. I know I got to take my game out to 15-20 feet."

On becoming a college student-athlete: "I’m just trying to coast into college. Everything is all good on the academic side - 4.0 gpa."

"I can’t say I’m looking forward to the classes because that would be a lie. But I just looking forward to the environment (at Cal)."

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