DeVon Hardin of Newark Memorial High School (Calif.) is one of the most dominant big-men in the state. RivalsHoops.com talked to the 6-foot-10 center about his high school season, including his individual performance thus far, playoff prospects, and his future as a Cal Bear.

When I get to Cal I see myself as a helpful defensive presence. My strengths are rebounding and blocking or altering. Overall I would consider myself a solid defensive player and I understand that defense wins games.

Currently, I am working to raise my offensive game to the level of my defensive game. I am becoming more comfortable with shooting (and making) three pointers. I still have some work to do on my ball handling. I am also working on my foot-work in the post.

I can’t say that I expect to play right away but I can say that I expect things will work themselves out. My main goal when I get to Cal is to work even harder than the hardest working person on the team and I will earn my position whatever it may be. Starting isn’t really my biggest concern. I’m trying to get better because I want to be the best that I can be athletically, academically (I got a 4.0 for the semester), and otherwise.

I believe the Newark team is coming right along and though we still have much work to do, we are a much better team than we were at the beginning of the season. It is obvious for me to see that many players on the team are maturing on and off the court. Trae Clark has been the best point guard a big man could ask for. Kyle Spain continues to amaze me with his strength and agility even while battling injuries. As a team, we are much more united and you can expect a battle until the end.

It is difficult for me to judge my own performance positively. I sometimes find myself not dominating the game like I can. I know my presence has been valuable to my team. In evaluating myself, I believe the thing I contribute most to the team is rebounds. I can say that my rebound average has been pretty constant all year.

The thing I look most forward to at Cal is those crazy, yet inspiring fans. Even when I attend games now, those fans make me want to suit up and run out on the court. I haven’t been to a Cal game yet where the fans weren’t pumped up and into the game. Those guys are great and I can’t wait.

My biggest asset as a player is my ability to move so well for my size. I believe that will help me a great deal when I get to Cal. Also my ability to jump, which always helps.