Cal Coach Mark Madsen Introductory Press Conference

Some nostalgia, some school spirit, and a whole lot of optimism

Photo courtesy Kelley Cox/KLC Fotos

There was a definite positive vibe in Haas Pavilion this afternoon. The Cal Band and other spirit groups were in attendance. People could get their picture taken with the Axe. Former Cal great Leon Powe chatted with anyone who was interested. Both Chancellor Carol Christ and AD Jim Knowlton spoke the praises of Coach Madsen as a coach and leader who is a perfect fit for the Golden Bears, with Christ saying that Madsen shares “…the belief that Cal athletics broadens and enhances Berkeley’s comprehensive excellence.” The whole production was meant to make everyone feel good about Cal and the direction of the basketball program. It succeeded, in no small part due to Mark Madsen’s positive and energetic demeanor.

When it was his turn to speak, Madsen was focused, confident, and measured. He began his prepared remarks talking about growing up in Danville, and his connections to the players and coaches of the early 90’s. He talked about his playing days against Tony Gonzalez, saying to Leon Powe, “Leon, you were a banger. (but) Tony Gonzalez punished people out there.” As he wrapped up his ties to the program, Coach Madsen summarized,

“The history of Cal basketball is winning and winning at a high high level.
Obviously the national championship, multiple sweet 16s, repeated NCAA
tournaments. I'm going to do everything in my power and we will restore Cal basketball to that level of play.”

Photo courtesy Don Shennum

Madsen then transitioned into talking about his pillars for success. He touched on several topics, ranging from the transfer portal(“we will be aggressive”), to player development, drawing upon what he learned during his time with Phil Jackson and the LA Lakers. On recruiting, Madsen said, “I want to put a chain link fence around the state of California and keep the best players at Cal.” Throughout all of his comments, Madsen was decisive in delivery, and drew on his long basketball history as a player and coach to support the points he was making.

During the reporter Q&A that followed, Coach Madsen avoided talking specifics about the current roster and coaching staff, indicating a few items were still several weeks away. He was noncommittal in response to questions regarding players currently on the roster and in the transfer portal. He indicated he wanted to talk to the current players individually, saying, ”….there's there's so much opportunity out there both with existing homegrown players in the Cal program and also in the portal and we're gonna we're gonna really focus on both and in three or four weeks you know we will have more to report.”

Coach Madsen spoke several times about wanting to play an uptempo style, believing it aids in recruiting. “Very few players want to play slow,” he added.

When asked about NIL challenges, Coach Madsen spoke a few times about NIL not being “pay to play”, and how he is impressed with the Cal Collective’s vision about NIL; “…They're talking about all the things that the athletes can do
beyond beyond the court - getting out in the community, giving of themselves and other ways to help youth, and that is part of the shared vision that gets me excited to be here at Cal.”

Coach Madsen’s prepared statements can be watched on the Pac-12’s youtube channel.

Coach Madsen’s full press conference can be viewed on the Cal Bears youtube channel.

Photo courtesy Kelley Cox/KLC Fotos

Today was not a day to discuss analytics or specific choices that need to be made before tipoff next Fall. Today was a day to celebrate the new era for Cal Basketball, and for everyone involved to feel good about the future.

When emcee Roxy Bernstein asked him why he accepted the job offer, Madsen offered, “…having grown up here I truly believe that Cal is a sleeping giant in
terms of men's basketball.”

Let’s hope he is correct.