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He's closer, which is what you expect from a sophomore. But, Jon Hood isn't there.

It's a process. It's a battle. It's not easy. It has everything to do with his basketball future, which remains very bright.

There is nothing negative here, but the truth is, Jon Hood's biggest enemy is Jon Hood. That isn't unusual with an athlete. Happens more often than reported. Although Hood's confidence is so much better than last year, it's not where it needs to be. Right now Cal believes in Hood more than Hood believes in Hood.

"Yeah, just sometimes," says Hood. "I mean that is something I've tried to work on from last year to this year. It has gotten better, but I still have a long way to go."

Once Hood gets past this, basketball becomes more like a game. It will be a huge step up for the 6-foot-7 inch guard-forward.

"Right, it will be. I'm working so hard to get over that hurdle it's just I don't know."

Hood admits that it's all part of dealing with pressure.

"I don't think it's trying to hard, I think it's putting to much pressure on myself if I miss a shot badly or make a turnover or something like that."

Think about a football player, especially a quarterback or a cornerback, they have to have the shortest memory on the field. That's what Hood needs.

"Mine is very short but it's not short enough. It's got to be in the blink of an eye."

Of course Hood talks with Cal, but he's getting help from others who care for him and also see it.

"I talked to my Mom a little bit about it, Dad. Coach has talked to me about it. Different coaches have. People back home they have noticed the same thing."

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