Cal basketball updates: Mark Madsen gets Shaq congrats, 2023 signees reaffirm commitment
Good vibes this week for the California Golden Bears program.
Some quick weekend Cal basketball news and notes.
Mark Madsen introduced his family to the Cal community!
After a huge set of kudos from basketball luminaries, the literal biggest one out there came out and gave praise to Madsen getting his new gig. Shaquille O’Neal also went online and congratulated his old Laker teammate.
“First of all, want to say congratulations on being named the new head coach. Always knew you had it in ya, even though you weren’t that good of a player. All you used to do is just foul and beat me up in practice, but that’s neither here nor there.”
On the Cal recruiting front, 2023 signee Rodney Brown reaffirmed their commitment to the Bears.
Devin Curtis also appears to be excited about the hire as well. Both Brown and Curtis arriving this fall will add some needed skill on the perimeter and size inside.
It’s likely Madsen will turn to the portal next. Who can he convince among Joel Brown, Kuany Kuany, Sam Alajiki and Lars Thiemann to return to the Bears? Or will Madsen look for immediate help from elsewhere in hopes of a talent infusion?
Madsen will be introduced to the Cal community as their new head coach on Monday, April 3 at 1 p.m.
I'm not concerned with the players who are in the portal, and in saying that, I'm not trying to trash them. But there are better ones to replace them. If I'm Madsen, I go after Hunter Dickinson. Solid big man, all academic, grad transfer. I don't know if he has two years or one year because he's technically a junior. But I'd solidify the middle. THEN, I'd go after a starting point guard and build from that.
Do appreciate how that pic is going to make furdies throw up a little each time they see it…