"DeVon has physically matured into a strong, dominant presence. When he is on the floor, we have a different look. He's a guy who demands a lot of attention, both offensively and defensively. He changes everything. He's as healthy as he's been in a while, and a healthy DeVon means a healthy Cal basketball team." - Ben Braun, California head coach

"Hardin is freakishly gifted athletically for a player his size. He can run and jump as well as most small forwards, and the combination makes him a great finisher at the rim and a threat to block shots any time they go up. He played in only 11 games last season before suffering a stress fracture in his left foot that sidelined him the rest of the way. When he was injured, Hardin was averaging 10.7 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks. Healed, stronger and ready to go, he could be ready for a huge season." - Bob McClellan, Rivals.com College Basketball Editor

"The difference for them this year, obviously, is Hardin. He is a double-figure rebounder, a tremendous presence who doesn't allow anything at the rim ... which a year ago they were vulnerable to. Now they make you a jump-shooting team." - Tim Floyd, USC head coach

"DeVon Hardin returns healthy and will fill out a Youtube video full of some healthy posterizations so that he will be a lottery pick." - Ben Collins, SLAM Magazine

"DeVon Hardin has always been a specimen and his skill level has improved." - Trent Johnson, Stanford head coach

"(Upon deciding to return to school) Hardin immediately becomes one of the premier big men returning to college next season in a Pac-10 Conference that is loaded up front." - Andy Katz, ESPN.com

"DeVon Hardin is one of the nation's most promising ballers... Hardin is a terrific athlete, with a great frame. Long arms, very quick feet and a tremendous shot blocker." - Scout.com

"In terms of potential big men prospects for the 2008 NBA Draft, DeVon Hardin is in a class of his own." - DraftExpress.com

"The pros love his work ethic, jumping ability, agility, strength and speed, which are amazing for a player approaching 7 feet." - Jake Curtis, San Francisco Chronicle

"Out at California, there were media reports that Golden Bears big man DeVon Hardin was going to the NBA. Those reports were not true and Ben Braun is happy to have Hardin back. He showed a lot of potential but only played 11 games. Now he will get a chance to show America how good he is if he stays healthy. Hardin is Mr. Potential and people go bananas when talking about his athleticism for a big man." - Dick Vitale, ESPN.com