[cctop]

Excitement across the bay for the new season:

SF Chronicle: Relentlessly positive Mark Madsen reboots men's basketball at Cal

SF Chronicle: Q&A with Mark Madsen: New Cal men's hoops coach eyes 'historic turnaround'


Those links should work, but if they don't then try this one:
[tweet]https://twitter.com/Con_Chron/status/1676609223226957826]https://twitter.com/Con_Chron/status/1676609223226957826[/tweet]

[cctop]

Excitement across the bay for the new season:

SF Chronicle: Relentlessly positive Mark Madsen reboots men's basketball at Cal

SF Chronicle: Q&A with Mark Madsen: New Cal men's hoops coach eyes 'historic turnaround'


Those links should work, but if they don't then try this one:
[tweet]https://twitter.com/Con_Chron/status/1676609223226957826]https://twitter.com/Con_Chron/status/1676609223226957826[/tweet]

[OutsiderFan]

So a former Stanford hooper is revitalizing Cal hoops and a former Cal footballer is revitalizing Stanford Football. 

Would you rather have Madsen improving Stanford Basketball and Taylor improving Cal Football, or like it the way it is?

[OutsiderFan]

So a former Stanford hooper is revitalizing Cal hoops and a former Cal footballer is revitalizing Stanford Football. 

Would you rather have Madsen improving Stanford Basketball and Taylor improving Cal Football, or like it the way it is?

[Langdude]

EUTM!

-m.

[Langdude]

EUTM!

-m.

[Goose]

Neither one has won a game yet. I think I will wait until they both have at least accomplished that before I even attempt to compare them.

[Goose]

Neither one has won a game yet. I think I will wait until they both have at least accomplished that before I even attempt to compare them.

[cctop]

Would you rather have Madsen improving Stanford Basketball and Taylor improving Cal Football, or like it the way it is?

I've offered my Cal friends a hostage exchange coach swap: Madsen for Taylor.

So far none of them have taken me up on it.

[cctop]

Would you rather have Madsen improving Stanford Basketball and Taylor improving Cal Football, or like it the way it is?

I've offered my Cal friends a hostage exchange coach swap: Madsen for Taylor.

So far none of them have taken me up on it.

[Giants]

Would you rather have Madsen improving Stanford Basketball and Taylor improving Cal Football, or like it the way it is?

I've offered my Cal friends a hostage exchange coach swap: Madsen for Taylor.

So far none of them have taken me up on it.

I believe that had you offered them the option of Madsen as the Cal head football coach instead of hoops, they would have quickly said yes.  Wilcox will be cashing unemployment checks within a year or two.

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

[Giants]

Would you rather have Madsen improving Stanford Basketball and Taylor improving Cal Football, or like it the way it is?

I've offered my Cal friends a hostage exchange coach swap: Madsen for Taylor.

So far none of them have taken me up on it.

I believe that had you offered them the option of Madsen as the Cal head football coach instead of hoops, they would have quickly said yes.  Wilcox will be cashing unemployment checks within a year or two.

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

[washingtonismoney]

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

Seems like a very hasty judgment -- like, who knows. Chuck Barkley once said winning is the best deodorant; he forgot to mention winning is the best personality adjuster. If Taylor wins his pleasant personality will turn into even-tempered sagacity, and so on and so forth.

[washingtonismoney]

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

Seems like a very hasty judgment -- like, who knows. Chuck Barkley once said winning is the best deodorant; he forgot to mention winning is the best personality adjuster. If Taylor wins his pleasant personality will turn into even-tempered sagacity, and so on and so forth.

[Giants]

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

Seems like a very hasty judgment -- like, who knows. Chuck Barkley once said winning is the best deodorant; he forgot to mention winning is the best personality adjuster. If Taylor wins his pleasant personality will turn into even-tempered sagacity, and so on and so forth.

Fair enough…. By the way, I think John Madden used the expression before Barkley.  And, I suspect, Madden was not the first……

[Giants]

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

Seems like a very hasty judgment -- like, who knows. Chuck Barkley once said winning is the best deodorant; he forgot to mention winning is the best personality adjuster. If Taylor wins his pleasant personality will turn into even-tempered sagacity, and so on and so forth.

Fair enough…. By the way, I think John Madden used the expression before Barkley.  And, I suspect, Madden was not the first……

[PAsportsfan]

Would you rather have Madsen improving Stanford Basketball and Taylor improving Cal Football, or like it the way it is?

Is this a trick question?

Sure seems like it. If Madsen is improving Stanford basketball it means you know who is still the “football coach” at Stanford…

[PAsportsfan]

Would you rather have Madsen improving Stanford Basketball and Taylor improving Cal Football, or like it the way it is?

Is this a trick question?

Sure seems like it. If Madsen is improving Stanford basketball it means you know who is still the “football coach” at Stanford…

[OutsiderFan]

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

What evidence exists to draw this conclusion? 

He got Sac State to the FCS Semi-Finals. That's a pretty damn impressive accomplishment, probably harder than getting Stanford to the Rose Bowl in the days of yore.

[OutsiderFan]

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

What evidence exists to draw this conclusion? 

He got Sac State to the FCS Semi-Finals. That's a pretty damn impressive accomplishment, probably harder than getting Stanford to the Rose Bowl in the days of yore.

[winflop]

If Madsen is improving Stanford basketball it means you know who is still the “football coach” at Stanford…

I don't agree. It just means someone else would be our new football coach. You know who resigned.

I'd make that trade in a heartbeat because it would still mean "not Shaw" is our head football coach and we'd get a basketball coach who could put butts in seats. Muir's an imbecile for not snapping up Madsen and letting him go to Kal

[winflop]

If Madsen is improving Stanford basketball it means you know who is still the “football coach” at Stanford…

I don't agree. It just means someone else would be our new football coach. You know who resigned.

I'd make that trade in a heartbeat because it would still mean "not Shaw" is our head football coach and we'd get a basketball coach who could put butts in seats. Muir's an imbecile for not snapping up Madsen and letting him go to Kal

[SamuelMcF]

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

What evidence exists to draw this conclusion? 

He got Sac State to the FCS Semi-Finals. That's a pretty damn impressive accomplishment, probably harder than getting Stanford to the Rose Bowl in the days of yore.

Zero evidence to draw the conclusion, of course. In fact, if you listen to the guy in interviews, he is INCREDIBLY competitive.

[SamuelMcF]

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

What evidence exists to draw this conclusion? 

He got Sac State to the FCS Semi-Finals. That's a pretty damn impressive accomplishment, probably harder than getting Stanford to the Rose Bowl in the days of yore.

Zero evidence to draw the conclusion, of course. In fact, if you listen to the guy in interviews, he is INCREDIBLY competitive.

[lex24]

I must say of all the “debates” this might be the silliest.  How bout we actually see how they do before drawing conclusions that Taylor is mediocre and Madsen the second coming……

[lex24]

I must say of all the “debates” this might be the silliest.  How bout we actually see how they do before drawing conclusions that Taylor is mediocre and Madsen the second coming……

[OutsiderFan]

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

What evidence exists to draw this conclusion? 

He got Sac State to the FCS Semi-Finals. That's a pretty damn impressive accomplishment, probably harder than getting Stanford to the Rose Bowl in the days of yore.

Zero evidence to draw the conclusion, of course. In fact, if you listen to the guy in interviews, he is INCREDIBLY competitive.

Just compare how Taylor's staff is recruiting to how Wilcox's has ever. I know Stanford has some advantages over Cal, but recruiting results like Taylor is having are a leading indicator of on-field success that Wilcox never has had.

Here's a simple question: Who will win at least 8 games in a regular season first, Wilcox or Taylor? Considering Wilcox is entering his 7th year at Cal and still hasn't won 8 regular season games, I'd say Taylor will.

Here's another one: Cal's O/U for wins this year is 4.5. Stanford's is 3. If you could only bet one on the Over, who would it be?

[OutsiderFan]

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

What evidence exists to draw this conclusion? 

He got Sac State to the FCS Semi-Finals. That's a pretty damn impressive accomplishment, probably harder than getting Stanford to the Rose Bowl in the days of yore.

Zero evidence to draw the conclusion, of course. In fact, if you listen to the guy in interviews, he is INCREDIBLY competitive.

Just compare how Taylor's staff is recruiting to how Wilcox's has ever. I know Stanford has some advantages over Cal, but recruiting results like Taylor is having are a leading indicator of on-field success that Wilcox never has had.

Here's a simple question: Who will win at least 8 games in a regular season first, Wilcox or Taylor? Considering Wilcox is entering his 7th year at Cal and still hasn't won 8 regular season games, I'd say Taylor will.

Here's another one: Cal's O/U for wins this year is 4.5. Stanford's is 3. If you could only bet one on the Over, who would it be?

[Giants]

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

What evidence exists to draw this conclusion? 

He got Sac State to the FCS Semi-Finals. That's a pretty damn impressive accomplishment, probably harder than getting Stanford to the Rose Bowl in the days of yore.

Zero evidence to draw the conclusion, of course. In fact, if you listen to the guy in interviews, he is INCREDIBLY competitive.

Just compare how Taylor's staff is recruiting to how Wilcox's has ever. I know Stanford has some advantages over Cal, but recruiting results like Taylor is having are a leading indicator of on-field success that Wilcox never has had.

Here's a simple question: Who will win at least 8 games in a regular season first, Wilcox or Taylor? Considering Wilcox is entering his 7th year at Cal and still hasn't won 8 regular season games, I'd say Taylor will.

Here's another one: Cal's O/U for wins this year is 4.5. Stanford's is 3. If you could only bet one on the Over, who would it be?

Why all the numbers?

Who has ever said anywhere on this site that Wilcox is a capable coach.  In fact, he is a terrible head coach.  Hence, my earlier facetious comment that I’m sure Cal fans would prefer Madsen over Wilcox to lead the Cal football program.  

What I did say is that it is my opinion that Taylor has a Wilcox-like personality and is in over his head leading a major program.  We shall see if that turns out to be true……..

[Giants]

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

What evidence exists to draw this conclusion? 

He got Sac State to the FCS Semi-Finals. That's a pretty damn impressive accomplishment, probably harder than getting Stanford to the Rose Bowl in the days of yore.

Zero evidence to draw the conclusion, of course. In fact, if you listen to the guy in interviews, he is INCREDIBLY competitive.

Just compare how Taylor's staff is recruiting to how Wilcox's has ever. I know Stanford has some advantages over Cal, but recruiting results like Taylor is having are a leading indicator of on-field success that Wilcox never has had.

Here's a simple question: Who will win at least 8 games in a regular season first, Wilcox or Taylor? Considering Wilcox is entering his 7th year at Cal and still hasn't won 8 regular season games, I'd say Taylor will.

Here's another one: Cal's O/U for wins this year is 4.5. Stanford's is 3. If you could only bet one on the Over, who would it be?

Why all the numbers?

Who has ever said anywhere on this site that Wilcox is a capable coach.  In fact, he is a terrible head coach.  Hence, my earlier facetious comment that I’m sure Cal fans would prefer Madsen over Wilcox to lead the Cal football program.  

What I did say is that it is my opinion that Taylor has a Wilcox-like personality and is in over his head leading a major program.  We shall see if that turns out to be true……..

[Mick]

Here's another one: Cal's O/U for wins this year is 4.5. Stanford's is 3. If you could only bet one on the Over, who would it be?

I'd probably bet on Cal getting five wins versus Stanford getting four or more. Stanford doesn't have the horses this year, IMHO. They've lost a lot of players through the portal. Stanford only has four portal commits and Cal has 20. Cal went 4-8 last year with two conference wins over WSU and Stanford. Also, Stanford's coaching staff is brand new, with a difficult schedule. I think Stanford beats Sac State and should beat Hawai'i. Other than those two...I don't see any other wins.

Don't get me wrong, I like the prospect of Taylor as the long-term coach over Wilcox, 10x out of 10. I like the direction of the recruiting, at least the numbers. It's great to have 27 recruits in the door, even though 21 of them are three-star recruits -- a record number since at least 2011. 

But this year, Stanford is going to suffer. Hopefully they're up to the task.

[Mick]

Here's another one: Cal's O/U for wins this year is 4.5. Stanford's is 3. If you could only bet one on the Over, who would it be?

I'd probably bet on Cal getting five wins versus Stanford getting four or more. Stanford doesn't have the horses this year, IMHO. They've lost a lot of players through the portal. Stanford only has four portal commits and Cal has 20. Cal went 4-8 last year with two conference wins over WSU and Stanford. Also, Stanford's coaching staff is brand new, with a difficult schedule. I think Stanford beats Sac State and should beat Hawai'i. Other than those two...I don't see any other wins.

Don't get me wrong, I like the prospect of Taylor as the long-term coach over Wilcox, 10x out of 10. I like the direction of the recruiting, at least the numbers. It's great to have 27 recruits in the door, even though 21 of them are three-star recruits -- a record number since at least 2011. 

But this year, Stanford is going to suffer. Hopefully they're up to the task.

[SamuelMcF]

Here's another one: Cal's O/U for wins this year is 4.5. Stanford's is 3. If you could only bet one on the Over, who would it be?

Stanford only has four portal commits and Cal has 20. 

We have six transfers.

[SamuelMcF]

Here's another one: Cal's O/U for wins this year is 4.5. Stanford's is 3. If you could only bet one on the Over, who would it be?

Stanford only has four portal commits and Cal has 20. 

We have six transfers.

[lex24]

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

What evidence exists to draw this conclusion? 

He got Sac State to the FCS Semi-Finals. That's a pretty damn impressive accomplishment, probably harder than getting Stanford to the Rose Bowl in the days of yore.

Zero evidence to draw the conclusion, of course. In fact, if you listen to the guy in interviews, he is INCREDIBLY competitive.

Just compare how Taylor's staff is recruiting to how Wilcox's has ever. I know Stanford has some advantages over Cal, but recruiting results like Taylor is having are a leading indicator of on-field success that Wilcox never has had.

Here's a simple question: Who will win at least 8 games in a regular season first, Wilcox or Taylor? Considering Wilcox is entering his 7th year at Cal and still hasn't won 8 regular season games, I'd say Taylor will.

Here's another one: Cal's O/U for wins this year is 4.5. Stanford's is 3. If you could only bet one on the Over, who would it be?

Why all the numbers?

Who has ever said anywhere on this site that Wilcox is a capable coach.  In fact, he is a terrible head coach.  Hence, my earlier facetious comment that I’m sure Cal fans would prefer Madsen over Wilcox to lead the Cal football program.  

What I did say is that it is my opinion that Taylor has a Wilcox-like personality and is in over his head leading a major program.  We shall see if that turns out to be true……..

Be interested in your explanation on their personality type and how that equates to success or lack thereof.

---

Weren’t several people on this board talking about what a terrific coach Wilcox was a few years ago?

[lex24]

As for Taylor, he appears to be a Wilcox-like guy - a pleasant personality but not a coach who can lead a major program to a championship level.

What evidence exists to draw this conclusion? 

He got Sac State to the FCS Semi-Finals. That's a pretty damn impressive accomplishment, probably harder than getting Stanford to the Rose Bowl in the days of yore.

Zero evidence to draw the conclusion, of course. In fact, if you listen to the guy in interviews, he is INCREDIBLY competitive.

Just compare how Taylor's staff is recruiting to how Wilcox's has ever. I know Stanford has some advantages over Cal, but recruiting results like Taylor is having are a leading indicator of on-field success that Wilcox never has had.

Here's a simple question: Who will win at least 8 games in a regular season first, Wilcox or Taylor? Considering Wilcox is entering his 7th year at Cal and still hasn't won 8 regular season games, I'd say Taylor will.

Here's another one: Cal's O/U for wins this year is 4.5. Stanford's is 3. If you could only bet one on the Over, who would it be?

Why all the numbers?

Who has ever said anywhere on this site that Wilcox is a capable coach.  In fact, he is a terrible head coach.  Hence, my earlier facetious comment that I’m sure Cal fans would prefer Madsen over Wilcox to lead the Cal football program.  

What I did say is that it is my opinion that Taylor has a Wilcox-like personality and is in over his head leading a major program.  We shall see if that turns out to be true……..

Be interested in your explanation on their personality type and how that equates to success or lack thereof.

---

Weren’t several people on this board talking about what a terrific coach Wilcox was a few years ago?

[OutsiderFan]

I believe Justin Wilcox is a very good coach, or at least had it in him to be. I also believe that what happens to all coaches at Cal - other than the ones who get hired away like Bruce Snyder and Steve Mariucci or fired like Tom Holme - is they are what Cal fans frustrated with the university's stance toward football, call "Cal'd."

This means they are made comfortable with mediocrity and indifference to winning. Coaches who win a little get massive guaranteed contracts and are lauded by the fan base. There is no pressure to perform at all. It's easy to slide into your comfort zone. Sound familiar?

Wilcox turned down Oregon for Cal. Maybe Cal feeds his soul, but nobody who is all about winning is picking Cal over Oregon.

[OutsiderFan]

I believe Justin Wilcox is a very good coach, or at least had it in him to be. I also believe that what happens to all coaches at Cal - other than the ones who get hired away like Bruce Snyder and Steve Mariucci or fired like Tom Holme - is they are what Cal fans frustrated with the university's stance toward football, call "Cal'd."

This means they are made comfortable with mediocrity and indifference to winning. Coaches who win a little get massive guaranteed contracts and are lauded by the fan base. There is no pressure to perform at all. It's easy to slide into your comfort zone. Sound familiar?

Wilcox turned down Oregon for Cal. Maybe Cal feeds his soul, but nobody who is all about winning is picking Cal over Oregon.

[ATLcardinal]

What evidence exists to draw this conclusion? 

He got Sac State to the FCS Semi-Finals. That's a pretty damn impressive accomplishment, probably harder than getting Stanford to the Rose Bowl in the days of yore.

Zero evidence to draw the conclusion, of course. In fact, if you listen to the guy in interviews, he is INCREDIBLY competitive.

Just compare how Taylor's staff is recruiting to how Wilcox's has ever. I know Stanford has some advantages over Cal, but recruiting results like Taylor is having are a leading indicator of on-field success that Wilcox never has had.

Here's a simple question: Who will win at least 8 games in a regular season first, Wilcox or Taylor? Considering Wilcox is entering his 7th year at Cal and still hasn't won 8 regular season games, I'd say Taylor will.

Here's another one: Cal's O/U for wins this year is 4.5. Stanford's is 3. If you could only bet one on the Over, who would it be?

Why all the numbers?

Who has ever said anywhere on this site that Wilcox is a capable coach.  In fact, he is a terrible head coach.  Hence, my earlier facetious comment that I’m sure Cal fans would prefer Madsen over Wilcox to lead the Cal football program.  

What I did say is that it is my opinion that Taylor has a Wilcox-like personality and is in over his head leading a major program.  We shall see if that turns out to be true……..

Be interested in your explanation on their personality type and how that equates to success or lack thereof.

---

Weren’t several people on this board talking about what a terrific coach Wilcox was a few years ago?

I think most FCS coaches are in over their head leading a major program.  Some like Harbaugh, Tressel, etc. simply demonstrate that they can win at any level.  Nobody knows yet with Taylor.  I'm looking forward to finding out, and expect the offense to be more interesting in the meantime.

[ATLcardinal]

What evidence exists to draw this conclusion? 

He got Sac State to the FCS Semi-Finals. That's a pretty damn impressive accomplishment, probably harder than getting Stanford to the Rose Bowl in the days of yore.

Zero evidence to draw the conclusion, of course. In fact, if you listen to the guy in interviews, he is INCREDIBLY competitive.

Just compare how Taylor's staff is recruiting to how Wilcox's has ever. I know Stanford has some advantages over Cal, but recruiting results like Taylor is having are a leading indicator of on-field success that Wilcox never has had.

Here's a simple question: Who will win at least 8 games in a regular season first, Wilcox or Taylor? Considering Wilcox is entering his 7th year at Cal and still hasn't won 8 regular season games, I'd say Taylor will.

Here's another one: Cal's O/U for wins this year is 4.5. Stanford's is 3. If you could only bet one on the Over, who would it be?

Why all the numbers?

Who has ever said anywhere on this site that Wilcox is a capable coach.  In fact, he is a terrible head coach.  Hence, my earlier facetious comment that I’m sure Cal fans would prefer Madsen over Wilcox to lead the Cal football program.  

What I did say is that it is my opinion that Taylor has a Wilcox-like personality and is in over his head leading a major program.  We shall see if that turns out to be true……..

Be interested in your explanation on their personality type and how that equates to success or lack thereof.

---

Weren’t several people on this board talking about what a terrific coach Wilcox was a few years ago?

I think most FCS coaches are in over their head leading a major program.  Some like Harbaugh, Tressel, etc. simply demonstrate that they can win at any level.  Nobody knows yet with Taylor.  I'm looking forward to finding out, and expect the offense to be more interesting in the meantime.