I think this is a good hire. Cal is a difficult place to coach. Okay, we know that. Well, we need someone who can coach (he obviously can) and has the energy to conquer what grinds down retreads. I like Mark.
He is a San Ramon HS grad (like myself) and I played with him at some open gyms back in the day. He is one of the nicest people I've ever met. Extremely hard working and even tempered. Without looking at any of his Utah Valley teams, I'd assume they are pretty solid fundamentally (dude loved his box outs). Not sure he would be great as a salesperson selling recruits, but thats probably more than we could ask for at this point anyway. I hope it works out.
I'm good with this. We're not going to hire a big name coach; we're gonna pay for the diamond in the rough, and I'm not sure he's even that rough with 48 wins in two years. Good character guy for sure. He played in the NBA, won a ring, can probably laugh at his own dancing, was great a 'Furd, and him BEING at 'Furd is my only problem with him, but if he wants to be at Cal then I want him to be at Cal. Let the Madsen era begin.
Welp, I watched the game tonight. It was a helleva game for both teams. Madsen's lads were well prepared. They handled multiple defensive schemes with relative ease. Offense was very efficient save some 3-point shots and some misses at the foul line they win this game. But overall a very good showing and good coaching by Madsen ~ he was patient with his team's slow start and was clearly positive and supportive of his players. Such a change in demeanor than that previous coach.
Not sure if Cal has the players to play at the level UVU played at tonight. Perhaps with help from the portal? dunno.
I think it will be favorable. The trend line is upward and Madsen has experience at the highest levels of the NBA and he has been praised by Magic Johnson and Shaq. What's not to like?
Ok, Madsen is the coach. Now he needs to hire a competent staff and should start with Jerome Randle as an assistant coach. That should help with recruiting and give Jerome some coaching experience! Go Bears!
This could turn out to be a fantastic hire. I'm encouraged that Monty has given his blessing and input and he will certainly know how to recruit players to an academically demanding school. Also, don't forget that another Cal coach (Jeff Tedford) was an under the radar hire and that turned out pretty well (except at the end). I guess the only thing to worry about further down the road is if he does turn things around at Cal, he will be in demand at his alma mater across the bay and Furdies don't often say no to head coaching opportunities down on the farm.
I’ve always liked Madsen, and I’m a LONG time Furd and Laker disliker. Since he’s from the Bay and went to college here, he’s not going to have the culture shock and “I wish I were coaching somewhere else “ issues that some past coaches have had. Sonny Dykes being the obvious recent example.
I think this is a good hire. Cal is a difficult place to coach. Okay, we know that. Well, we need someone who can coach (he obviously can) and has the energy to conquer what grinds down retreads. I like Mark.
He is a San Ramon HS grad (like myself) and I played with him at some open gyms back in the day. He is one of the nicest people I've ever met. Extremely hard working and even tempered. Without looking at any of his Utah Valley teams, I'd assume they are pretty solid fundamentally (dude loved his box outs). Not sure he would be great as a salesperson selling recruits, but thats probably more than we could ask for at this point anyway. I hope it works out.
Utah Valley vs UAB tipping off now on ESPN2 for those who want a look at Mark Madsen
I'm good with this. We're not going to hire a big name coach; we're gonna pay for the diamond in the rough, and I'm not sure he's even that rough with 48 wins in two years. Good character guy for sure. He played in the NBA, won a ring, can probably laugh at his own dancing, was great a 'Furd, and him BEING at 'Furd is my only problem with him, but if he wants to be at Cal then I want him to be at Cal. Let the Madsen era begin.
Just NEVER wear a red tie, dude......
Welp, I watched the game tonight. It was a helleva game for both teams. Madsen's lads were well prepared. They handled multiple defensive schemes with relative ease. Offense was very efficient save some 3-point shots and some misses at the foul line they win this game. But overall a very good showing and good coaching by Madsen ~ he was patient with his team's slow start and was clearly positive and supportive of his players. Such a change in demeanor than that previous coach.
Not sure if Cal has the players to play at the level UVU played at tonight. Perhaps with help from the portal? dunno.
How in the world are we letting an AD who is under investigation hire someone...
I think it will be favorable. The trend line is upward and Madsen has experience at the highest levels of the NBA and he has been praised by Magic Johnson and Shaq. What's not to like?
Ok, Madsen is the coach. Now he needs to hire a competent staff and should start with Jerome Randle as an assistant coach. That should help with recruiting and give Jerome some coaching experience! Go Bears!
From Mark Fox to Mark Dog.
Just what our program needs, a mediocre white guy from Stanford.
I hate it. But will reserve judgement. #GoBears
I was luke warm with MM...but this is encouraging: https://www.si.com/college/cal/basketball/madsen-background
Also, pretty impressive that he went to Senegal to recruit Aziz.
If Mad Dog Madsen can inspire his players to bring half the intensity he played with at Furd, we'll be in great shape.
I'm happy with this hire
This could turn out to be a fantastic hire. I'm encouraged that Monty has given his blessing and input and he will certainly know how to recruit players to an academically demanding school. Also, don't forget that another Cal coach (Jeff Tedford) was an under the radar hire and that turned out pretty well (except at the end). I guess the only thing to worry about further down the road is if he does turn things around at Cal, he will be in demand at his alma mater across the bay and Furdies don't often say no to head coaching opportunities down on the farm.
I’ve always liked Madsen, and I’m a LONG time Furd and Laker disliker. Since he’s from the Bay and went to college here, he’s not going to have the culture shock and “I wish I were coaching somewhere else “ issues that some past coaches have had. Sonny Dykes being the obvious recent example.