Cal makes statement with Jabari Bird 
Cal head coach Mike Montgomery and his staff have been knocking on the door for the past four years, doing well in recruiting and building a team that finished tied for second last season in the Pac-12 with Oregon. When it comes to recruiting, you build your relationships over time, and the Bears proved Wednesday they can protect their own back yard. It's important to be able to land local talent that can elevate your program, and Bird comes in with the credentials to do just that.
The Pac-12 is on the rise based on the league's recruiting efforts over the last couple years, and Cal is digging its heels in the ground and not just holding its own but thriving under Montgomery.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Paul Biancardi
Paul Biancardi is the national director of recruiting and has over 19 years of Division I coaching experience, including being named named Horizon League coach of the year at Wright State in 2004.
Adam Finkelstein
Adam Finkelstein is the Northeast recruiting coordinator and has been a coach or scout at the high school, college, and pro levels.
Mike LaPlante
Mike LaPlante is the Southeast recruiting coordinator and has has over 20 years of coaching and recruiting experience.
Reggie Rankin
Reggie Rankin has coached in the SEC, Big 12, MAC, and others over 14 seasons. He has been a scout and analyst for RecruitingNation since 2007.
More RecruitingNation blogs
ESPN.com has the latest news, notes and analysis:
• On The Trail
• Dave Telep's blog