Big C said:
Calfan92 said:
The goal at this point should be to find someone rich to get Cal a coach who can attract top talent. We're not even on the radar now. He ain't the guy.
With respect, I feel like your assessment of Madsen (especially with regards to recruiting) is overly negative:
1. The program was in total shambles when he took over. He has made significant inroads, in terms of the roster.
2. A newer coach usually needs a period of time to establish himself with targeted recruits, in targeted areas/programs.
3. It's as much about the NIL nowadays as anything... and our hoops NIL could be better.
Indeed, there are legitimate Madsen questions right now about X's and O's and player development, but I am reasonably optimistic about Madsen's future at Cal. Note that I am a long-time season ticket holder who has followed the program closely for 40+ years (though I know that doesn't automatically make me right on this... just my take).
People are entirely too negative about Madsen & his staff on this board and your expectations for an immediate turnaround and the creation of a team that will compete in the top half of the ACC in year two is just too much to expect and frankly I'm tired of hearing people who know very little about coaching stating some of the obvious issues with this team. Madsen see's these issues as well. He owns issues and works with his staff to improve. Those of you who can't see the improvement in this year's team are simply blind or just plain cranky.
And anyone who doesn't think coaches improve over time does not know what they are talking about. Coaching is about having a vision for what you want to see on the court and by adapting your instruction to help your team meet those expectations. That happens over time and that's why it's so important to have a foundational group of players who grow and improve each year. Even John Wooden acknowledged he was a much better coach at the end of his career than he was in the early stages of his career.
Frankly, what Madsen & his staff have accomplished in just two years is more than what I expected considering he took over a team that was left for dead & went 3 - 29 and had NO returning players. He basically has recruited two new teams through the portal & this year persuaded 11 players to come to Cal and found an underrated 3-star freshman guard (Wilkinson) who has played way above expectations in his first year. BC's post above pretty much lays out the game-plan as I see it. Additionally, the season is not over yet & if we can find a way to win 4 of our last 8 games we could finish the year at 16-15 and perhaps make it to the NIT. But even if they don't, Cal will likely make it to the ACC tournament & finish just below the top half of the ACC which is a huge improvement.
This year is the foundation year as we hope to have as many as 9 players returning, assuming alums contribute to the Cal Collective, & two 4-star guards coming from HS. If Madsen can retain the best of our players and get the pieces we need through the portal ie (center, big point guard and a scoring forward) I can see Cal finishing in the top half of the league next year.
Once Cal begins to win consistently, Madsen has the name recognition and personality to draw even better players to Cal. To my mind, it will likely be in year 5 when we can finish in the top 5 of the ACC. One thing I'm sure of is he is headed in the right direction regardless of his perceived deficiencies. Additionally, those of you who think Cal can compete with Stanfurd at this time are on drugs. Stanfurd is already where the Bears want to be and they have three 6'10" - 7' players one of whom is going to play in the NBA and a very strong point guard & great depth.
To my eyes the future of men's basketball at Cal is looking damn good. The key will be Cal having the NIL funds needed to keep our young stars and to attract the ones we need to fill holes through the portal.
Go Bears!
