KoreAmBear said:
I am so happy for Cal Basketball.
Me too, KAB. So many positive aspects combining! Madsen's support from top NBA people. His NBA-player-development-recruitment focus in building his staff. The new coaches already being mentioned in comments from recruits. A key recruit like Fardaw having played for Madsen and being able to talk about that to recruits he knows.
Something's happening here. I've watched recruiting here for 30+ years. Too me, and I'm admittedly overgeneralizing, it seemed that many recruits, historically, viewed Cal as a power-five place for local talent to stay local (Kidd), or for SoCal kids who might want to get out of SoCal for a bit, but not too far away, and to not-too-different weather and culture. Yes we got some top players from far afield, but not consistently, or so it seemed.
Now? None of these first four recruits are locals. None had Cal on their radar three months ago. They're coming (i) for NBA-skill development from a head coach and staff focused on that, (ii) for the chance to play up-tempo, NBA style ball, and (iii) for the chance to play under a head coach who players want to play for and who gets mad respect. So it seems to me they're coming for the opportunity Madsen is assembling here at Cal, as opposed to coming here just because it's Cal. That's as it should be. They're coming for the basketball program at Cal, one just getting started but underway. Then, when the new recruits get here they'll get to discover all the things that make this such a good place to be. May they enjoy their time here even more than they thought they would. Welcome to Keonte, Mike, Jalen, and Aimaq!
Cal has not always been a big BB recruiting draw in and of itself. Entrance requirements can be an issue (but do not appear to have slowed down current efforts). Outsiders and competing coaches have at times insinuated that Cal's administration has never really supported winning in FB or BB. Yet Madsen himself has no doubt whatsoever that he will win here. On day one, he had every reason to ask for patience and everyone expected him to. But he refused to do so and instead, said, "It's not going to take as long as you think." That was ballsy. But only five weeks later (i) he's hired four asst. coaches with development and recruiting cred; (ii) he's signed four portal recruits who look pretty impressive; and (iii) they're not done yet, given talk that another two or even three might follow.
The first few games are going to be awesome. So will the ones that follow, most likely, but the very first chances to see, appreciate and support what's coming should be pretty special.
And meanwhile, Athletic Dept, you have a huge opportunity here both to jump start the enthusiam and increase ticket revenue. Do whatever it takes to fill Haas from the very first game (non-conference). Giving free tickets to freshmen worked nicely in football, remember? Give undergrads not only student section seats but also those not otherwise sold. Allow online returns for credit or deduction right up to tip off. Or, for every former season ticket holder who comes back for season tickets, provide x extra tickets per game to be given out to students or even high schoolers.
The point is that if you can help create the perception from game one, that the demand for Cal BB tickets is suddenly so high that it thretens to sell out most of the good non-season seats, and maybe all such seats, for any subsequent game, you will sell more of the subsequent game seats, and more such seats at higher prices, going forward. Take avantage of and inflate the bump that curiosity is going to make in any event. Help create excitement. Full strawhat band enters to fanfare followed by lights out.
Also, how about a giant video screen over the front gates, with stadium speakers, and a roped off plaza, for free plaza viewing for those who might want to try to get a last minute seat? Like the warriors do for away games? Maybe sell them hot dogs and drinks if that can be done. Why not?
Last, make sure tickets can be exchanged and resold online right up to game time. Consider competing with Hubstub.
Go Bears! ('cause Gobert gonna be a gone bear for now).
