Former Utah Valley basketball head coach Mark Madsen has agreed to become the next head coach at Cal after 4 years at the helm of the Wolverines program.

Madsen, a former Stanford standout and 10-year NBA player, had Utah Valley playing at a high level this season. It’s a shame the Wolverines were unable to win their conference championship, because Utah Valley’s playstyle was bound to be a nightmare matchup for any team to meet in the first round. The Wolverines finished the season 28-9, beating the likes of BYU and Oregon but falling to Southern Utah in the WAC championship game.

Madsen will replace Mark Fox, who led the Golden Bears to just 3 wins this past season.

Cal has not made the NCAA Tournament since 2016 when Cuonzo Martin led the program. Madsen, though he was never able to reach the tournament in the WAC, immediately gives Cal a chance at the Field of 68 in the next few years.

Madsen is a defensive-minded head coach, leading Utah Valley to a top 30 defense per KenPom this past season, despite being a smaller school.

What do you think of the hire, Cal fans?