Cal’s Ivan Rabb returns bigger and better

Cal’s Ivan Rabb was named this week among 20 players on the watch list for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award, and now the Bears would like to see the sophomore play like the NBA’s second-leading scorer of all time.

Cal head coach Cuonzo Martin said at Friday’s Pac-12 media day that much of the offense will run through Rabb: “It’s about him being assertive every time down and thinking about being a scorer.”

“Having Ivan back is huge for the program,” senior guard Jabari Bird said.

Everyone in the locker room loves Ivan.

Rabb, who teammates say has added to his 6-foot-11, 220-pound frame, was expected to be an NBA lottery pick this summer, but the Oakland native decided to return to Cal.

Martin said Rabb wanted to complete his game - adding a three-point shot to his versatile post game - and prove that he shoulder the load of a team.

“Every day he’s working on his jumper and extending his range,” senior guard Sam Singer said.