Five-star big man Ivan Rabb of Oakland is staying home as expected.
Rabb announced this evening he chose Cal over Arizona, even though UA coach Sean Miller had been recruiting him hard since his freshman season at Bishop O’Dowd High School.
Although Rabb said he wasn’t interested in Cal under former coach Mike Montgomery, the Bears gained immediate steam in Rabb’s recruitment after Cuonzo Martin was hired to replace the retiring Montgomery a year ago.
Cal appeared to become the leader in recent months, so much so that Rabb's announcement this evening at an Oakland restaurant was widely expected.
Before the McDonalds All-American Game earlier this month, Rabb told the Star that he could see himself helping UA “get over the hump” and into the Final Four, and that fellow all-American Allonzo Trier had been asking him to join him at Arizona next season.
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But Rabb also expressed considerable interest in Cal, noting that the Bears had a fast start before falling off in Pac-12 play. Cal finished 18-15 overall and 7-11 in conference play, while losing to Arizona three times.
“They were 10-1 (this season) and then they had some lapses,” Rabb said. “I just know they’re hungry. They want to get to the tournament and get as many big players as they can. (Martin) knows if he gets me, he’ll continue to attract good players, so maybe I want to give him that chance.”
Immediately after the announcement, Martin posted a one-word message on Twitter -- "CALIFORNIA!!!!" -- while Trier congratulated Rabb.
"I understand you made the decision you felt was best for you," Trier posted on Twitter. "Can't knock that."
The Chronicle's Mike Vernon posted video of Rabb's moment here.
