Golden Bears in Winston Salem (Wake Forest) Game Thread

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RedlessWardrobe
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4:07p, 3/7/26
Bottom line to this game and this season:

Give Madsen the right talent and I think he can do the job. Nobody really expected 21 wins.

Our team has some talented basketball players. When we shoot well we can give most teams a competitive game.

But the main reason this team has a ceiling is - we sorely lack physicality. Its such a glaring weakness that even though game after game we get outrebounded and get beat up in the paint - we are so use to it that as fans we have come to accept it.

People reminisce about the Kidd/Murray days. But remember, our 4 and 5 back then was Al Grigsby and Yogi Stewart. MM needs to find a similiar 4 and 5 out there to be successful. End of story.

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socaltownie
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In reply to RedlessWardrobe • 4:10p, 3/7/26
RedlessWardrobe said:
Bottom line to this game and this season:

Give Madsen the right talent and I think he can do the job. Nobody really expected 21 wins.

Our team has some talented basketball players. When we shoot well we can give most team's a game.

But the main reason this team has a ceiling is - we sorely lack physicality. Its such a glaring weakness that even though game after game we get outrebounded and get beat up in the pain - we are so use to it that as fans we have come to accept it.

People reminisce about the Kidd/Murray days. But remember, our 4 and 5 back then was Al Grigsby and Yogi Stewart. MM needs to find a similiar 4 and 5 out there to be successful. End of story.


THIS!!!!!!

It is so apparent that we are the least physiical team in the ACC. Dort is "OK" but still isn't great. I wonder if we get more 50/50 balls with RP but he also isn't the most athletic guy.

And getting more physical guys is just going to be an NIL issue. Maybe SB knows but I have to believe Wake has more $$$ to work with than us. Frankly that is what we SHOULD get from the Mods - because the only way to know if MM is over or under performing is to understand whether this is a low 1/4, mid range, or upper 1/4 (LOL) ACC payroll. One of the worst things about NIL is the opaqueness of the salary situation - something that NO professional league has.
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sycasey
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In reply to calumnus • 4:17p, 3/7/26
calumnus said:
sycasey said:
BearSD said:
Madsen's contract is looking like at least as much of a mistake as Wilcox's contract was.

No it's not, Cal has probably outperformed its talent level this year. The roster was not that great coming in.

The contract extension by Knowlton was premature and fiscally irresponsible just as it was with Wilcox. The openings at Stanford and BYU, the only two schools Madsen might jump to, were already filled. It was like Knowlton extending Wilcox after he had already turned down Oregon. Wait and see if the performance warrants another extension first.

That said, I have far more hope with Madsen . When we were locked in with Wilcox we tried spending enough NIL to give him back to back top 20 transfer classes and expanded the staff to give him a bunch of senior "consultants." It would not take anything close to that in basketball. His contract is through the 2029-30 season, we have no choice but to support him and hope he gets there. We were close this year.

I just consider the Knowlton extension water under the bridge at this point. It is what it is, though having a current coach extended five years out is not unusual. It doesn't mean they're definitely staying all of those years.

I just think it's way too soon to call it a mistake. Madsen's first season was an improvement upon his predecessor (granted it could hardly be worse), second season looked like stagnation, but then this season was clear improvement again. Not many people were picking us to even make the NIT. How can anyone be sure his contract was a mistake with that history? Looks like an upward trajectory so far.
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ncbears
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4:20p, 3/7/26
I too would like to see what Madsen would do with better players -
but, then, lots of coaches are better when they have a talent filled team. (Campanelli's Kidd/Murray team being a contra example).
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Golden One
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In reply to socaltownie • 4:43p, 3/7/26
socaltownie said:




It is so apparent that we are the least physical team in the ACC. Dort is "OK" but still isn't great.

This is our biggest problem. We need a big man who is physical, has good hands, and can score around the basket. It's been many years since we've had one.
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bearister
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In reply to socaltownie • 4:46p, 3/7/26
"And getting more physical guys is just going to be an NIL issue."

Do you think POTUS can help us? Is there a form to fill out?

*WF got 26 points from its bench; Bears got 8. We would have won a few more games if we had a serviceable bench.
Cancel my subscription to the Resurrection
Send my credentials to the House of Detention
I got some friends inside

“I love Cal deeply, by the way, what are the directions to The Portal from Sproul Plaza?”
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Big C
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In reply to gwashburn14 • 4:49p, 3/7/26
gwashburn14 said:
Last I checked he did have his moment, when the conventional move would to be hold the ball and let the clock run out, he went up for an uncontested dunk.

So what? Good for him. What, did he "show us up"? Wake showed us up the whole second half; that's what we should be mad about.
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gwashburn14
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5:11p, 3/7/26
I think they need to play with more fire overall. The kid had his moment, just pointed out that when the whole team ran onto the floor, the refs just resumed play. I thought that was interesting. Just like when Harris grabbed the ball after every one of his baskets in the first half and mean mugged the refs like Luka, I thought that was interesting. Cal has to get used to ACC refs on the road, I guess.
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ncbears
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5:11p, 3/7/26
And here are the stats - and focusing on physical and desire stats:

Second chance points - WF 15 Cal 2
Rebounds: WF 45 Cal 29
Offensive Rebounds: WF 11 Cal 7 (seemed like WF had more than 11)
Points in Paint: WF 28 Cal 22
and for good measure - WF shot nearly 55% for the second half
Each team with 26 fouls! - 63 free throws between the two teams and Cal's free throw defense gave up 77% for the game!

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kal kommie
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In reply to ncbears • 5:33p, 3/7/26
ncbears said:
And here are the stats - and focusing on physical and desire stats:

Second chance points - WF 15 Cal 2
Rebounds: WF 45 Cal 29
Offensive Rebounds: WF 11 Cal 7 (seemed like WF had more than 11)
Points in Paint: WF 28 Cal 22
and for good measure - WF shot nearly 55% for the second half
Each team with 26 fouls! - 63 free throws between the two teams and Cal's free throw defense gave up 77% for the game!

Yeah, this was the ball game.

We have a pair of stretch forwards in Bell and Camden who don't bring much else besides shooting. When they're unable to find looks or are cold, they're bleeding value on both ends of the court. Even when their shooting fails, they do still help stretch the defense because their threats have to be honored but that's not enough to compensate for what they're not bringing in all other phases.

In the two devastating losses to Pitt and WF, they combined for 27 points on 32 FGAs, 9 rebounds, 2 assists (4 TOs), 3 steals and 0 blocks in 109 minutes.
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OdontoBear66
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6:34p, 3/7/26
Exceeded expectations and did real well, but pooped the bed when the bell rang.

Someone likened it to Wilcox...I am not sure of that, but when I watch other teams in the hunt I keep seeing Dennis Gates at Missouri....Why do his teams be such pests with whomever they play? Like his style. Reminds me a bit of our new FB coach, Tosh.....Just sayin'....Need some killer in the team that plays more than 20 minutes a game.
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Onebearofpower
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6:36p, 3/7/26
We deserve plenty of the blame for poor defense and poor shooting in the second half 100 percent, but we did get fully screwed by the refs many many times over especially in the first half when trying to extend the lead. Every time we went to extend the lead they would make a suspect call/no call and then Wake would shoot free throws on the other end. All I can think of:

Dort got "blocked"(fouled) and somehow the ball is out on him even though they ruled a clean block and it never touched him again.
Two highly suspect foul calls in a row on Dort.
A damn lane violation on a missed free throw.
A handful of shooting fouls and bonus fouls that gave them free throws with minimal at best contact.
Allowing Harris to push off 3 separate times with a blatant extension of the arm and then show up the ref after the play.
A foul on Mantas grabbing the ball in the loose pile.
A foul on Ames grabbing the ball in the loose pile.
Turnover on Harris and a foul on them somehow becomes Harris shooting free throws.
Bell getting absolutely laid out and undercut with no contact with the ball into a transition for them.
Pippen missed push off and moving screen on Dort both on the first of two threes in a row by Harris to bring them within 3.
Dai Dai shooting foul in transition he didn't touch his arms at all and the contact with the body was initiated by the offense
Prob more I don't remember

Notable bad calls for Wake:
Missed foul call on Camden reaching in on a drive when they ended up getting a BS foul inside on someone else.
First moving screen call
DJ Campbell slide and then pivoted with the wrong foot should have been a travel but then we turned it over anyway.

Obviously we should have played better and it is what it is but we had a 15 point lead and I don't really feel like we were given the chance to blow that 15 point lead lol because they gifted them with so many free throws we really only blew a 8 pt lead or something.

I wish just once we would be on the good end of the refs being bad. I don't think we have one single time maybe the first game at home against GT. All this talk about the Duke team and we led a lot of the first half and the refs kept it closer than it was in the first. Not saying we will beat Duke or that we should have but it is without a doubt possible. It is always just one game and this team in typical Cal fashion can beat anyone and also lose to literally everyone.



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sycasey
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In reply to OdontoBear66 • 7:16p, 3/7/26
OdontoBear66 said:
Exceeded expectations and did real well, but pooped the bed when the bell rang.

Someone likened it to Wilcox...I am not sure of that, but when I watch other teams in the hunt I keep seeing Dennis Gates at Missouri....Why do his teams be such pests with whomever they play? Like his style. Reminds me a bit of our new FB coach, Tosh.....Just sayin'....Need some killer in the team that plays more than 20 minutes a game.

I'll put it this way: if this turns out to be the highest point we can ever reach and we stagnate at this level or lower, then it will be like Wilcox. If it's just another step up the ladder as we leverage this improvement to get better players and better donor support, then it's a good year.
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chazzed
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7:27p, 3/7/26
While today's game was a disappointment, other losses were much more harmful to our Big Dance chances.
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socaltownie
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In reply to sycasey • 7:33p, 3/7/26
sycasey said:
OdontoBear66 said:
Exceeded expectations and did real well, but pooped the bed when the bell rang.

Someone likened it to Wilcox...I am not sure of that, but when I watch other teams in the hunt I keep seeing Dennis Gates at Missouri....Why do his teams be such pests with whomever they play? Like his style. Reminds me a bit of our new FB coach, Tosh.....Just sayin'....Need some killer in the team that plays more than 20 minutes a game.

I'll put it this way: if this turns out to be the highest point we can ever reach and we stagnate at this level or lower, then it will be like Wilcox. If it's just another step up the ladder as we leverage this improvement to get better players and better donor support, then it's a good year.


I dont see us stagnating. More wins every years and loves our defensive schemes. It is a talent issue.
Take care of your Chicken
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barsad
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In reply to socaltownie • 7:56p, 3/7/26
My biggest worry is that Madsen has to start from scratch every season, so I don't really know if "improvement" in the way we used to talk about it (eg developing young players, building on roster strengths) is relevant these days. It's really about our portal luck… and whether we can retain Pippen and Dai Dai. It's a big if.
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BearSD
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In reply to sycasey • 8:01p, 3/7/26
sycasey said:
BearSD said:
Madsen's contract is looking like at least as much of a mistake as Wilcox's contract was.

No it's not, Cal has probably outperformed its talent level this year. The roster was not that great coming in.

It's Madsen's job to recruit the roster, just like it was Wilcox's job to recruit the football roster.
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sycasey
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In reply to BearSD • 8:30p, 3/7/26
BearSD said:
sycasey said:
BearSD said:
Madsen's contract is looking like at least as much of a mistake as Wilcox's contract was.

No it's not, Cal has probably outperformed its talent level this year. The roster was not that great coming in.

It's Madsen's job to recruit the roster, just like it was Wilcox's job to recruit the football roster.

See my later posts: we'll have to see if Madsen can turn this into better recruiting momentum (some of the early commits look promising). If he stagnates like Wilcox then I'll agree with the comparison. But it's way too early for that IMO.
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01Bear
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9:34p, 3/7/26
In terms of recruiting, Cal really should look more at foreign players. If Cal can get the best foreign players, they'll stay at Cal as they won't be able to get a higher NIL paycheck elsewhere. Given Cal's international reputation, it shouldn't be all that tough for Cal to attract bright ballers from Europe, Australia, or Canada. Given how much academics (and status) mean to Asians, it also shouldn't be difficult to attract the best ballers in China to Cal.
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stu
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In reply to 01Bear • 9:47p, 3/7/26
Our women's team has had recent success with international players and 4 more are coming in next season.
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6956bear
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In reply to socaltownie • 6:07a, 3/8/26
socaltownie said:
Exceeded expectations. Still thinking we have tired legs and that is why a ton of our 3s are hitting the front rim.


Possible. But Juke Harris had plenty in his legs to score 31 points and gather 15 reobounds. he lead the ACC in minutes played in conference and only Fred Payne of BC played more overall.

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OdontoBear66
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In reply to sycasey • 9:18a, 3/8/26
sycasey said:
OdontoBear66 said:
Exceeded expectations and did real well, but pooped the bed when the bell rang.

Someone likened it to Wilcox...I am not sure of that, but when I watch other teams in the hunt I keep seeing Dennis Gates at Missouri....Why do his teams be such pests with whomever they play? Like his style. Reminds me a bit of our new FB coach, Tosh.....Just sayin'....Need some killer in the team that plays more than 20 minutes a game.

I'll put it this way: if this turns out to be the highest point we can ever reach and we stagnate at this level or lower, then it will be like Wilcox. If it's just another step up the ladder as we leverage this improvement to get better players and better donor support, then it's a good year.

I can second that. But why aren't the major donors who left, not stepping up. Why are the students and fans who used to pack Haas/Harmon showing up. I love MM and hope he does just what you say, but the obstacles are there despite his own marketing efforts. The man needs help, mostly tons of dinero.
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6956bear
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In reply to OdontoBear66 • 9:53a, 3/8/26
OdontoBear66 said:
sycasey said:
OdontoBear66 said:
Exceeded expectations and did real well, but pooped the bed when the bell rang.

Someone likened it to Wilcox...I am not sure of that, but when I watch other teams in the hunt I keep seeing Dennis Gates at Missouri....Why do his teams be such pests with whomever they play? Like his style. Reminds me a bit of our new FB coach, Tosh.....Just sayin'....Need some killer in the team that plays more than 20 minutes a game.

I'll put it this way: if this turns out to be the highest point we can ever reach and we stagnate at this level or lower, then it will be like Wilcox. If it's just another step up the ladder as we leverage this improvement to get better players and better donor support, then it's a good year.

I can second that. But why aren't the major donors who left, not stepping up. Why are the students and fans who used to pack Haas/Harmon showing up. I love MM and hope he does just what you say, but the obstacles are there despite his own marketing efforts. The man needs help, mostly tons of dinero.

The evidence around the country (and here) suggest donors are attracted to coaches. The teams that made big moves in the ACC this year (except Cal) have new coaches. UVa, Miami, NC St and FSU have all made jumps and they have new coaches that the donors have warmed to.

Cal football has taken a big step by adding Rivera and Tosh. The new leadership along with Lyons has that ship heading in the right direction.

I am not calling for Cal to remove Madsen, but he has had trouble getting traction with the donors. At least the big dog donors. That has to change. If this season did not move the needle then the needle may not be moveable.
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socaltownie
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In reply to 6956bear • 9:58a, 3/8/26
6956bear said:
OdontoBear66 said:
sycasey said:
OdontoBear66 said:
Exceeded expectations and did real well, but pooped the bed when the bell rang.

Someone likened it to Wilcox...I am not sure of that, but when I watch other teams in the hunt I keep seeing Dennis Gates at Missouri....Why do his teams be such pests with whomever they play? Like his style. Reminds me a bit of our new FB coach, Tosh.....Just sayin'....Need some killer in the team that plays more than 20 minutes a game.

I'll put it this way: if this turns out to be the highest point we can ever reach and we stagnate at this level or lower, then it will be like Wilcox. If it's just another step up the ladder as we leverage this improvement to get better players and better donor support, then it's a good year.

I can second that. But why aren't the major donors who left, not stepping up. Why are the students and fans who used to pack Haas/Harmon showing up. I love MM and hope he does just what you say, but the obstacles are there despite his own marketing efforts. The man needs help, mostly tons of dinero.

The evidence around the country (and here) suggest donors are attracted to coaches. The teams that made big moves in the ACC this year (except Cal) have new coaches. UVa, Miami, NC St and FSU have all made jumps and they have new coaches that the donors have warmed to.

Cal football has taken a big step by adding Rivera and Tosh. The new leadership along with Lyons has that ship heading in the right direction.

I am not calling for Cal to remove Madsen, but he has had trouble getting traction with the donors. At least the big dog donors. That has to change. If this season did not move the needle then the needle may not be moveable.


There have been a couple of posts in the.past that suggest it is deeper than that - a couple of whales that are philosophically not on board with the world of NIL.
Take care of your Chicken
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6956bear
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In reply to socaltownie • 3:43p, 3/8/26
socaltownie said:
6956bear said:
OdontoBear66 said:
sycasey said:
OdontoBear66 said:
Exceeded expectations and did real well, but pooped the bed when the bell rang.

Someone likened it to Wilcox...I am not sure of that, but when I watch other teams in the hunt I keep seeing Dennis Gates at Missouri....Why do his teams be such pests with whomever they play? Like his style. Reminds me a bit of our new FB coach, Tosh.....Just sayin'....Need some killer in the team that plays more than 20 minutes a game.

I'll put it this way: if this turns out to be the highest point we can ever reach and we stagnate at this level or lower, then it will be like Wilcox. If it's just another step up the ladder as we leverage this improvement to get better players and better donor support, then it's a good year.

I can second that. But why aren't the major donors who left, not stepping up. Why are the students and fans who used to pack Haas/Harmon showing up. I love MM and hope he does just what you say, but the obstacles are there despite his own marketing efforts. The man needs help, mostly tons of dinero.

The evidence around the country (and here) suggest donors are attracted to coaches. The teams that made big moves in the ACC this year (except Cal) have new coaches. UVa, Miami, NC St and FSU have all made jumps and they have new coaches that the donors have warmed to.

Cal football has taken a big step by adding Rivera and Tosh. The new leadership along with Lyons has that ship heading in the right direction.

I am not calling for Cal to remove Madsen, but he has had trouble getting traction with the donors. At least the big dog donors. That has to change. If this season did not move the needle then the needle may not be moveable.


There have been a couple of posts in the.past that suggest it is deeper than that - a couple of whales that are philosophically not on board with the world of NIL.


True that is what has been suggested. But also there was some talk that if Knowlton had hired Pasternak rather than Madsen that some donors were ready to open their wallets.

I am not suggesting that Cal make any sort of coaching change. But I do understand that if you are being asked to donate that those donors may want some input into the coach hire.

And Knowlton who was in place did not inspire confidence. And now the dynamic duo of Jenny and Jay are in place. A basketball GM similar to Rivera seems to be a serious need.

This is the first glimmer of hope in several seasons. So perhaps now a few big donors are a bit more ready to support NIL.
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sycasey
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In reply to socaltownie • 4:11p, 3/8/26
socaltownie said:
6956bear said:
OdontoBear66 said:
sycasey said:
OdontoBear66 said:
Exceeded expectations and did real well, but pooped the bed when the bell rang.

Someone likened it to Wilcox...I am not sure of that, but when I watch other teams in the hunt I keep seeing Dennis Gates at Missouri....Why do his teams be such pests with whomever they play? Like his style. Reminds me a bit of our new FB coach, Tosh.....Just sayin'....Need some killer in the team that plays more than 20 minutes a game.

I'll put it this way: if this turns out to be the highest point we can ever reach and we stagnate at this level or lower, then it will be like Wilcox. If it's just another step up the ladder as we leverage this improvement to get better players and better donor support, then it's a good year.

I can second that. But why aren't the major donors who left, not stepping up. Why are the students and fans who used to pack Haas/Harmon showing up. I love MM and hope he does just what you say, but the obstacles are there despite his own marketing efforts. The man needs help, mostly tons of dinero.

The evidence around the country (and here) suggest donors are attracted to coaches. The teams that made big moves in the ACC this year (except Cal) have new coaches. UVa, Miami, NC St and FSU have all made jumps and they have new coaches that the donors have warmed to.

Cal football has taken a big step by adding Rivera and Tosh. The new leadership along with Lyons has that ship heading in the right direction.

I am not calling for Cal to remove Madsen, but he has had trouble getting traction with the donors. At least the big dog donors. That has to change. If this season did not move the needle then the needle may not be moveable.


There have been a couple of posts in the.past that suggest it is deeper than that - a couple of whales that are philosophically not on board with the world of NIL.

They are on board with it for football but not basketball? Or just a different group of donors?
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smh
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In reply to stu • 4:20p, 3/8/26
stu said:
Our women's team has had recent success with international players and 4 more are coming in next season.

thanks stu, hadn't heard that before # modern necessity
sighned, not dead yet # funk trunk; i.c.e. too
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GoCal80
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In reply to sycasey • 5:06p, 3/8/26
sycasey said:
socaltownie said:
6956bear said:
OdontoBear66 said:
sycasey said:
OdontoBear66 said:
Exceeded expectations and did real well, but pooped the bed when the bell rang.

Someone likened it to Wilcox...I am not sure of that, but when I watch other teams in the hunt I keep seeing Dennis Gates at Missouri....Why do his teams be such pests with whomever they play? Like his style. Reminds me a bit of our new FB coach, Tosh.....Just sayin'....Need some killer in the team that plays more than 20 minutes a game.

I'll put it this way: if this turns out to be the highest point we can ever reach and we stagnate at this level or lower, then it will be like Wilcox. If it's just another step up the ladder as we leverage this improvement to get better players and better donor support, then it's a good year.

I can second that. But why aren't the major donors who left, not stepping up. Why are the students and fans who used to pack Haas/Harmon showing up. I love MM and hope he does just what you say, but the obstacles are there despite his own marketing efforts. The man needs help, mostly tons of dinero.

The evidence around the country (and here) suggest donors are attracted to coaches. The teams that made big moves in the ACC this year (except Cal) have new coaches. UVa, Miami, NC St and FSU have all made jumps and they have new coaches that the donors have warmed to.

Cal football has taken a big step by adding Rivera and Tosh. The new leadership along with Lyons has that ship heading in the right direction.

I am not calling for Cal to remove Madsen, but he has had trouble getting traction with the donors. At least the big dog donors. That has to change. If this season did not move the needle then the needle may not be moveable.


There have been a couple of posts in the.past that suggest it is deeper than that - a couple of whales that are philosophically not on board with the world of NIL.

They are on board with it for football but not basketball? Or just a different group of donors?

My understanding is that the big donors prioritized football because it is perceived as most important to overall athletic success, with the thinking being that other sports would receive attention once the football program is on sound footing.
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sycasey
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In reply to GoCal80 • 5:43p, 3/8/26
GoCal80 said:
sycasey said:
socaltownie said:
6956bear said:
OdontoBear66 said:
sycasey said:
OdontoBear66 said:
Exceeded expectations and did real well, but pooped the bed when the bell rang.

Someone likened it to Wilcox...I am not sure of that, but when I watch other teams in the hunt I keep seeing Dennis Gates at Missouri....Why do his teams be such pests with whomever they play? Like his style. Reminds me a bit of our new FB coach, Tosh.....Just sayin'....Need some killer in the team that plays more than 20 minutes a game.

I'll put it this way: if this turns out to be the highest point we can ever reach and we stagnate at this level or lower, then it will be like Wilcox. If it's just another step up the ladder as we leverage this improvement to get better players and better donor support, then it's a good year.

I can second that. But why aren't the major donors who left, not stepping up. Why are the students and fans who used to pack Haas/Harmon showing up. I love MM and hope he does just what you say, but the obstacles are there despite his own marketing efforts. The man needs help, mostly tons of dinero.

The evidence around the country (and here) suggest donors are attracted to coaches. The teams that made big moves in the ACC this year (except Cal) have new coaches. UVa, Miami, NC St and FSU have all made jumps and they have new coaches that the donors have warmed to.

Cal football has taken a big step by adding Rivera and Tosh. The new leadership along with Lyons has that ship heading in the right direction.

I am not calling for Cal to remove Madsen, but he has had trouble getting traction with the donors. At least the big dog donors. That has to change. If this season did not move the needle then the needle may not be moveable.


There have been a couple of posts in the.past that suggest it is deeper than that - a couple of whales that are philosophically not on board with the world of NIL.

They are on board with it for football but not basketball? Or just a different group of donors?

My understanding is that the big donors prioritized football because it is perceived as most important to overall athletic success, with the thinking being that other sports would receive attention once the football program is on sound footing.

That is a message I've seen from the insiders before, yeah, not so much that they are philosophically opposed to NIL.
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socaltownie
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In reply to GoCal80 • 6:54p, 3/8/26
GoCal80 said:
sycasey said:
socaltownie said:
6956bear said:
OdontoBear66 said:
sycasey said:
OdontoBear66 said:
Exceeded expectations and did real well, but pooped the bed when the bell rang.

Someone likened it to Wilcox...I am not sure of that, but when I watch other teams in the hunt I keep seeing Dennis Gates at Missouri....Why do his teams be such pests with whomever they play? Like his style. Reminds me a bit of our new FB coach, Tosh.....Just sayin'....Need some killer in the team that plays more than 20 minutes a game.

I'll put it this way: if this turns out to be the highest point we can ever reach and we stagnate at this level or lower, then it will be like Wilcox. If it's just another step up the ladder as we leverage this improvement to get better players and better donor support, then it's a good year.

I can second that. But why aren't the major donors who left, not stepping up. Why are the students and fans who used to pack Haas/Harmon showing up. I love MM and hope he does just what you say, but the obstacles are there despite his own marketing efforts. The man needs help, mostly tons of dinero.

The evidence around the country (and here) suggest donors are attracted to coaches. The teams that made big moves in the ACC this year (except Cal) have new coaches. UVa, Miami, NC St and FSU have all made jumps and they have new coaches that the donors have warmed to.

Cal football has taken a big step by adding Rivera and Tosh. The new leadership along with Lyons has that ship heading in the right direction.

I am not calling for Cal to remove Madsen, but he has had trouble getting traction with the donors. At least the big dog donors. That has to change. If this season did not move the needle then the needle may not be moveable.


There have been a couple of posts in the.past that suggest it is deeper than that - a couple of whales that are philosophically not on board with the world of NIL.

They are on board with it for football but not basketball? Or just a different group of donors?

My understanding is that the big donors prioritized football because it is perceived as most important to overall athletic success, with the thinking being that other sports would receive attention once the football program is on sound footing.


My understanding is the ven diagrams ovelap but are distinct. It is also not at all clear football will ever be in a position to let up the gas.....it is a zero sum arms race
Take care of your Chicken
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calumnus
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In reply to GoCal80 • 7:45p, 3/8/26
GoCal80 said:
sycasey said:
socaltownie said:
6956bear said:
OdontoBear66 said:
sycasey said:
OdontoBear66 said:
Exceeded expectations and did real well, but pooped the bed when the bell rang.

Someone likened it to Wilcox...I am not sure of that, but when I watch other teams in the hunt I keep seeing Dennis Gates at Missouri....Why do his teams be such pests with whomever they play? Like his style. Reminds me a bit of our new FB coach, Tosh.....Just sayin'....Need some killer in the team that plays more than 20 minutes a game.

I'll put it this way: if this turns out to be the highest point we can ever reach and we stagnate at this level or lower, then it will be like Wilcox. If it's just another step up the ladder as we leverage this improvement to get better players and better donor support, then it's a good year.

I can second that. But why aren't the major donors who left, not stepping up. Why are the students and fans who used to pack Haas/Harmon showing up. I love MM and hope he does just what you say, but the obstacles are there despite his own marketing efforts. The man needs help, mostly tons of dinero.

The evidence around the country (and here) suggest donors are attracted to coaches. The teams that made big moves in the ACC this year (except Cal) have new coaches. UVa, Miami, NC St and FSU have all made jumps and they have new coaches that the donors have warmed to.

Cal football has taken a big step by adding Rivera and Tosh. The new leadership along with Lyons has that ship heading in the right direction.

I am not calling for Cal to remove Madsen, but he has had trouble getting traction with the donors. At least the big dog donors. That has to change. If this season did not move the needle then the needle may not be moveable.


There have been a couple of posts in the.past that suggest it is deeper than that - a couple of whales that are philosophically not on board with the world of NIL.

They are on board with it for football but not basketball? Or just a different group of donors?

My understanding is that the big donors prioritized football because it is perceived as most important to overall athletic success, with the thinking being that other sports would receive attention once the football program is on sound footing.

This is overall rational financially, but on the margins an another senior assistant in football is probably not going to move the needle in the way it would I basketball. Money from the NCAA Tournment and increased attendance could justify the ROI.

But mostly, basketball offers the opportunity for some moneyed alum to take "ownership" of the program at a cost and in a way that is not possible in football.



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HoopDreams
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In reply to calumnus • 8:07p, 3/8/26
calumnus said:
GoCal80 said:
sycasey said:
socaltownie said:
6956bear said:
OdontoBear66 said:
sycasey said:
OdontoBear66 said:
Exceeded expectations and did real well, but pooped the bed when the bell rang.

Someone likened it to Wilcox...I am not sure of that, but when I watch other teams in the hunt I keep seeing Dennis Gates at Missouri....Why do his teams be such pests with whomever they play? Like his style. Reminds me a bit of our new FB coach, Tosh.....Just sayin'....Need some killer in the team that plays more than 20 minutes a game.

I'll put it this way: if this turns out to be the highest point we can ever reach and we stagnate at this level or lower, then it will be like Wilcox. If it's just another step up the ladder as we leverage this improvement to get better players and better donor support, then it's a good year.

I can second that. But why aren't the major donors who left, not stepping up. Why are the students and fans who used to pack Haas/Harmon showing up. I love MM and hope he does just what you say, but the obstacles are there despite his own marketing efforts. The man needs help, mostly tons of dinero.

The evidence around the country (and here) suggest donors are attracted to coaches. The teams that made big moves in the ACC this year (except Cal) have new coaches. UVa, Miami, NC St and FSU have all made jumps and they have new coaches that the donors have warmed to.

Cal football has taken a big step by adding Rivera and Tosh. The new leadership along with Lyons has that ship heading in the right direction.

I am not calling for Cal to remove Madsen, but he has had trouble getting traction with the donors. At least the big dog donors. That has to change. If this season did not move the needle then the needle may not be moveable.


There have been a couple of posts in the.past that suggest it is deeper than that - a couple of whales that are philosophically not on board with the world of NIL.

They are on board with it for football but not basketball? Or just a different group of donors?

My understanding is that the big donors prioritized football because it is perceived as most important to overall athletic success, with the thinking being that other sports would receive attention once the football program is on sound footing.

This is overall rational financially, but on the margins an another senior assistant in football is probably not going to move the needle in the way it would I basketball. Money from the NCAA Tournment and increased attendance could justify the ROI.

But mostly, basketball offers the opportunity for some moneyed alum to take "ownership" of the program at a cost and in a way that is not possible in football.

speaking of MBB staff, Madsen absolutely needs to get the budget to hire Matt Bradley as Assistant Coach
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