The theme that kept arising out of this particular team was speed. So we reinterpreted an idea presented by Associate Head Coach Charmin Smith to feature the players running directly at the viewer. Getting everyone in sync was a challenge, but worth the 25-odd takes.

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How to capture the various athletic movements of an athlete and the nuances (both physical and emotional) inherent in the basketball sphere, and then elevate those elements into an art-form that has a timeless appeal? That was our challenge in this photo series. Each player crafted their own movement based on their personality, role, and talents.

The inspiration for this media guide cover, which was the final year of Cal printing media guides, was the word gritty. This team had a gritty style of play as well as a gritty mindset. So they are captured against a cement wall. And to convey the ensemble-nature of the team, they are composed almost randomly, but tightly cropped so you feel their connection and presence.

Of all of the media guide cover art we've had, this single image probably has been the most memorable. It is affectionately referred to as 'the White Cover'. The idea was inspired by the shear presence of the starting core: (left to right) 2005 Rookie-of-the-Year Alexis Gray-Lawson, senior Krista Foster, 2006 Pac-10 Player-of-the-Year Devanei Hampton, 2nd All-Time Cal Leading Scorer, 1st All-Time Leading Rebounder, and All-Pac-10 Team Ashley Walker, and point guard Natasha Vital. Their presence alone carries the image - no gimmicks or fancy elements - just simply them.

This image was the cover art for the award-winning media guide which also created a stir due to the simple fact that the media guide was printed horizontally. The idea was to turn the media guide into something far more stunning...something that would look good on your coffee table. The idea for the cover was to convey strength, confidence, and the feeling that Cal is coming.

The modern Cal Basketball brand most likely dates back to this season, this team. There was an emphasis on the hard work that goes into becoming what they knew they could become (and did become). The edgy team with the edgy brand and the pushing the limits of what's possible was ignited.