Both of these classes will probably end up being the lesser classes of Cal's tenure. Both had great players, but they ultimately did not pack the same punch/star power.
2012
Poythress
Noel
Goodwin
Cauley-Stein
2015
Murray
Matthews
Briscoe
Mulder
Isaac
Skal
Both classes had their star, Murray and Noel, that could carry them and have carved out nice roles for themselves in the NBA. The 2015 class had the bigger advantage of returning guys like Ulis, Willis, Lee, and Poy. The 2012 class had no one to look to really and they also experienced a big injury to Noel mid season.
Looking back, I feel like the 2012 group could've thrived if they would have had some experience and better luck. Goodwin was a great talent, but imagine if he would've had a Tyler Ulis to find him and set him up for better shots. All 4 of the 2012 class players are on an NBA roster as of this minute.
The 2015 class was kind of disappointing. Murray came in at the last minute and we missed on most of our targets. Briscoe was a great guy to have, but ultimately his lack of a shot really kept him from being elite. Skal figured it out late and hopefully he has a long NBA career. Matthews could not even hit the rim if he tried and added nothing to the team. Hump has improved and still has time. Mulder was inconsistent and you could never rely on him to hit the 3 consistently. Just imagine if that group did not have veterans like Willis and Tyler to rely on last season, it could have gotten ugly.
In the long-run, give me the 2012 class.
2012
Poythress
Noel
Goodwin
Cauley-Stein
2015
Murray
Matthews
Briscoe
Mulder
Isaac
Skal
Both classes had their star, Murray and Noel, that could carry them and have carved out nice roles for themselves in the NBA. The 2015 class had the bigger advantage of returning guys like Ulis, Willis, Lee, and Poy. The 2012 class had no one to look to really and they also experienced a big injury to Noel mid season.
Looking back, I feel like the 2012 group could've thrived if they would have had some experience and better luck. Goodwin was a great talent, but imagine if he would've had a Tyler Ulis to find him and set him up for better shots. All 4 of the 2012 class players are on an NBA roster as of this minute.
The 2015 class was kind of disappointing. Murray came in at the last minute and we missed on most of our targets. Briscoe was a great guy to have, but ultimately his lack of a shot really kept him from being elite. Skal figured it out late and hopefully he has a long NBA career. Matthews could not even hit the rim if he tried and added nothing to the team. Hump has improved and still has time. Mulder was inconsistent and you could never rely on him to hit the 3 consistently. Just imagine if that group did not have veterans like Willis and Tyler to rely on last season, it could have gotten ugly.
In the long-run, give me the 2012 class.
