Kaileb Rodriguez becomes first commit for Class of 2012

Kaileb Rodriguez looks to follow in the footsteps of recent freshman such as Allen Crabbe

After a relatively quiet Class of 2011 where the Bears brought in just two big men, Mike Montgomery has gotten a quick start on the Class of 2012. Big man Kaileb Rodriguez from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, has made his commitment to the Golden Bears.

Rodriguez fits into the role of a lot of Mike Montgomery recruits; as a junior, they’re overlooked by the bigger programs because they don’t put up huge numbers. But just like Richard Solomon in the past, Rodriguez has tons of promise and athleticism that he just hasn’t figured out yet. If he can translate it to success on the court, he’ll have the kind of senior year that would normally get him attention from the bigger schools.

Rodriguez has a long wing span and has said that he plans to weigh in at 225 by the time he arrives in college. If he can reach that weight, he could be ready to make some impact the second he steps on campus. But a lot has to happen for him to make the impact; first, he needs to produce on the actual basketball court. In a pure athletic sense, he has everything you look for in a post. He has the wingspan, the quickness, and has good hands (something that can’t be taken for granted). What needs to come is the more technial aspects of the game; post moves, defensive positioning, and those kinds of areas. The good news is that those are all teachable; with good coaching, he’ll be just fine. If the development comes for Rodriguez, then a major sleeper is on his way to Berkeley.

Rodriguez selected Cal over San Francisco and Nevada. He should be an intriguing prospect to watch over the upcoming high school season and into his future at Cal. Go Bears!