Former NBA champion Mark Madsen, who captured two titles with the Los Angeles Lakers before turning to the sidelines, has taken the helm of California’s basketball program and is already sketching a bold vision for the upcoming season.
The Golden Bears enter the season with a frontcourt that blends size and athleticism, showcasing five players standing 6’10” or taller alongside two at 6’9”, a depth that promises both scoring punch and defensive stability.
A Balanced Roster
At the core of the lineup is veteran big man Lee Dort, whose steady 8.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last season provided a reliable defensive anchor, while transfers such as Jake Wilkins, whose father Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins once dominated the NBA, bring a legacy of athleticism, and Nojus Indrusaitis, a Pitt import who erupted for 19 points in the ACC Tournament, add scoring versatility. Point guard Jordan Ross, a Georgia transfer with SEC experience, is slated to run the offense, and wing Amier Ali, a Mississippi State addition, offers pro‑style shooting and defensive flexibility. Finally, Michael Cooper, a Wright State import, contributes 13.4 points per game and a 44% shooting mark, rounding out a roster that balances experience with fresh talent.
Redshirt freshmen Jovani Ruff and Jorell Clark, though new to the program, bring leadership qualities and high character, qualities that Madsen hopes will translate into cohesion and resilience during the long ACC schedule.
While the team’s recent 49‑50 record and the departure of four key starters raise questions about readiness, Madsen remains confident that the blend of size, skill and experience positions Cal to contend for a 30‑win season despite the heightened competition and ongoing NCAA disruptions.