When UCLA was predicted to win the Pac-12 regular season, there was a sense amongst the California locker room that they had been slighted.

“We get to play some top teams, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity to show the nation what we’ve got,” said Brandon Smith. “The ranking, to us, doesn’t matter much. It’s a just a number by our name. We’re out to show what Cal basketball is all about.” 

Cal won their first conference title in 50 years in 2010 and are positioned to compete for another title after a transition year in 10-11.

“We look at that [second-place Pac-12 pick], and anything we can do to get a chip on our shoulder is good,” said Harper Kamp. “We just have to play like we’re the underdog, and we need to prove ourselves night in, night out.” 

While UCLA has lost consecutive games at home to mid-majors, Cal has won its first three games by an average of 21 points.

Landen Lucas gave a verbal commitment to Kansas on Sunday.

Lucas is a 6-foot-10 center from Portland.

“I’m very excited with the decision I’ve made, for sure,” he told Rivals.com. “It’s a great opportunity, and the support from all the Jayhawk fans is making me even more excited to get back to work and get ready.”

Lucas also considered Cal, Tennessee, Stanford and Washington.