Matt Bradley, a former standout for the California Golden Bears, has been appointed director of player development for the 2026‑27 season, a move that signals a new era of continuity and ambition for the program.
A Strategic Shift for California Basketball
Bradley’s ascent comes after a decorated playing career that saw him top the Bears’ scoring charts in 2019‑20 and 2020‑21 and earn second‑team all‑Pac‑12 honors in consecutive seasons.
He honed his craft over three seasons at Cal before transferring to San Diego State, where he led the Aztecs to the 2023 NCAA championship game and collected back‑to‑back first‑team all‑Mountain West selections.
Speaking about his return, Bradley said he is eager to give back to the university that shaped him, noting his excitement about working with the next generation of student‑athletes under head coach Mark Madsen.
The Bears’ recent on‑court progress adds context to the appointment. After finishing the 2025‑26 campaign with a 22‑12 record and a second‑round NIT appearance, California secured its first postseason berth since 2017 and posted its highest win total in over a decade.
The roster will look different next season, with starting center Lee Dort returning and five newcomers joining the fold, while the program also welcomed a new general manager in Richard Midgley, a Cal alum who brings a fresh administrative perspective.
Together, these moves aim to sustain the momentum built over the past year and position the Bears as a competitive force in the Pac‑12 and beyond.