28 Comments
User's avatar
CalBear91's avatar

Sounds like a fantastic hire! Welcome to Coach Mazarei! I'm thinking this was only possible because the University and Cal donors stepped up with salary raises to match or beat what Vandy was paying, and credit to Coach Madsen for attracting this sort of talent on his staff. If you are a player, this is the start of a staff you know will coach you up and treat you right. Go Bears!

Expand full comment
Jimmy Chitwood's avatar

Super pumped for the direction of the program…no Nega-Bear here, my friend ;-)

Expand full comment
Auricursine's avatar

Random thought when seeing him for the first time:

"Now that 'Barry' is nearing its final season, I'm glad Noho Hank was able to find himself this new gig."

Expand full comment
heyalumnigo's avatar

haha...I can see that.

Expand full comment
Justbear's avatar

I think we will be better this year.

Expand full comment
TD_24's avatar

you know I think that just may be the case..... not sure what it is

Expand full comment
KetamineCal's avatar

Sounds great, though I don't know enough to have an informed opinion. Having someone experienced in NBA preparation seems like a good thing.* In Mad Dog we trust.

*In Musgrave's case I think his NFL experience was a detriment because he assumed an NFL roster. The Mazarei skillset I'm referring to is more about player development, not scheme.

Expand full comment
AndDriveDriveDrive's avatar

Can someone smarter than me tell me whether this seems like a good hire?

Expand full comment
Jimmy Chitwood's avatar

Great hire.

Expand full comment
OC Bear's avatar

definitely seems like a good get for us, but what's in it for him? Seems like a lateral to a VHCOL area, no?

Expand full comment
Jimmy Chitwood's avatar

He’ll make good money at Cal. Stackhouse is rumored to be a hot commodity for an NBA gig, of which there is interest on his part. This kid’s a So Cal kid, and maybe wants to stick in college…he does well here with Madsen, he’s a candidate for an HC job. Maybe chances are good Stackhouse is leaving Nashville.

Expand full comment
Justbear's avatar

It's kinda funny I've never seen anyone call coach a kid. Maybe if he's young but he looks pretty old haha.

Expand full comment
Jimmy Chitwood's avatar

I call a lot of people kids, usually as term of endearment.

Expand full comment
KetamineCal's avatar

He was born in December '82 so is a few years younger than me. Ergo, kid.

Expand full comment
Heino's avatar

Bears a strong resemblance to Hingle McCringleberry.

Expand full comment
goldenone's avatar

Pretty sure next year, given a strong non-conference performance and maybe .500 in conference that we can make the NIT. And if the cards fall in the right direction maybe squeak into the dance.

Expand full comment
TD_24's avatar

I'd be fine with a NIT but if we get close and miss I won't mind because it signals we are back on the right path.

Expand full comment
heyalumnigo's avatar

I'll be happy with double digit wins.

Expand full comment
TD_24's avatar

gotta start somewhere

Expand full comment
KetamineCal's avatar

With the transfers that we already know about this seems appropriate. Still more team to build but I already like what I'm seeing!

Expand full comment
Rick Hirsch's avatar

So, what's his specific role going to be?

Expand full comment
TD_24's avatar

Associate Head Coach is basically the right hand man and will help with practices and hands on development

Expand full comment
Rick Hirsch's avatar

How about planning and strategy? Is he an offensive or defensive specialist? Will he generate game plans (O and D)? Or is he more of a teacher or a strategist? What's his connection to Madsen?

Expand full comment
TD_24's avatar

his focus is on offense and is more of a teacher. At Vandy he was big in scout, practice development scout, and development. So basically the back end preparation during the week (i.e. offensive attack gameplans). I don't see a connection to Madsen other than them both having SoCal in connection but maybe there's something I'm missing.

Expand full comment
Rick Hirsch's avatar

Thank you - Madsen's nest hire should be pivotal, there is a lot to dovetail into

Expand full comment
mrjpark's avatar

I'm sure there's a strong brotherhood between NBA coaching staffs.

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment removed
Apr 14, 2023
Comment removed
Expand full comment