This interview is part of a series that takes an inside look at how some of Cal's most memorable athletes ended up wearing the Blue and Gold.You'd be hard-pressed to find a more lauded Cal men's basketball recruit than Shareef Abdur-Rahim. The guy was just an absolute stud: Gatorade Player of the Year, McDonald's All-American, Parade All-American, and Georgia's Mr. Basketball… twice. He won a state title as a junior, averaged 31 and 12 as a senior, and shot a ridiculous 72 from the field.And then he committed to Cal. To Cal.Despite a personal call from Rick Pitino, a home visit from Dean Smith, and an unannounced drop-in at his high school from Jim Calhoun -- the very same day he was wearing a Georgetown tee -- Abdur-Rahim actually went on just one of his five official visits, and it was to Berkeley.In his words, how he ended up a Golden Bear...

...More... To continue reading this article you must be a member. Sign Up Now for a FREE Trial