What People Say About Mark Madsen, Cal's New Coach
Here is what a number of people associated with Mark Madsen said about the new Cal head coach:
“Mark is a very, very unique individual. He’s as good a person as you’re going to find. What you see is what you get. He’s got a great heart and I think he’ll be great with all the Cal people, the alums. You can’t help but like Mark.” -- Mike Montgomery, former Cal coach and Madsen's coach at Stanford.
“Almost [too good to be true] . . . but he’s not. He’s real. That’s what makes it cool. He’s that guy and you just don’t see that guy anymore. He’s very humble, very appreciative, very respectful, yet he has become a really good coach. What he’s done at Utah Valley is really impressive.” -- Saint Mary's head coach Randy Bennett
“As a player, he was one of the hardest playing, most enthusiastic players you’d ever see. When he started coaching, he was the same.” -- Washington State head coach Kyle Smith, who faced Madsen when Smith was an assistant at San Diego
Mark Madsen is an incredible human being. He has a tremendous amount of passion, for the game and his players along with remarkable character. I’d be ecstatic to have a son play for him and work with him daily.” – Steve Nash, 2018 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player
Shareef Abdur-Rahim endorses Dennis Gates' response
"Mark is one of the brightest coaches in college basketball today. Besides his basketball knowledge, the thing that sets Mark apart is his high moral character. He will be a fantastic representative of the Cal family." – Mark D’Antoni, Two-time NBA Coach of the Year
"Mark is one of the hardest working, most knowledgeable coaches I have ever had the pleasure of working with. His attention to details, his passion for the game and his ability to teach have led him to have great success as a coach. On top of that he’s a great man, great friend, and parents will be lucky to have him help lead their kids.” – Luke Walton, Three-time NBA champion and former NBA head coach
Former Cal coach Ben Braun on Madsen
“Mark was not just my teammate but my friend. I’m excited to witness all of his success both playing and coaching the game. Mark’s love for basketball is over the top; his willingness to learn the game from coaches and teammates throughout his career has set him up to be a great coach. I’m excited to see what this next chapter brings him.” – Robert Horry, Seven-time NBA champion
"Mark Madsen is one of the best human beings I’ve ever met. I was lucky to be teammates with him in college where he consistently demonstrated leadership, hustle and true friendship each and every day. His drive and positive energy inspired all of us to improve and work harder to achieve our goals. I’m so proud to see the coach he has become and how his players can look to him as an excellent role model for future success in all parts of their lives.” – Jason Collins, 15-year NBA veteran and a teammate of Madsen at Stanford
“Mark was the teammate that every championship-level team must have on it; a player with boundless focus and energy coupled with a high basketball IQ and a willingness to sacrifice for his teammates and the greater team goal. Some people call those players the glue player – I call it the heart and soul of any successful team.” – Rick Fox, Three-time NBA champion
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Cover photo of Mark Madsen by Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY
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