Meet UVU’s New Basketball Coach
Two-time NBA champion, former Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach, and former Stanford University basketball star Mark Madsen was officially named the men’s basketball head coach at Utah Valley University, becoming just the third coach for men’s basketball in UVU’s 16- year Division I history.
“Mark Madsen has reached the pinnacle of his sport as an NBA champion — not once, but twice. He knows what it takes to succeed in basketball and in life,” said Astrid S. Tuminez, president of UVU. “Off the court, Coach Madsen earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and an MBA before launching an extensive coaching career. With his strengths and experience, he will inspire our student-athletes in and out of competition, and will help us build even stronger relationships with our broader UVU community.”
Madsen will take over the Utah Valley program after serving the past six seasons as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a two-time NBA champion as a player with the Lakers (2001 and 2002), and he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves for six seasons.
“Utah Valley University is an amazing institution, and I’m excited to be the new head coach at the largest and fastest-growing school in the state of Utah,” said Madsen. “I love the mission that President Tuminez has put forth for the university, and I am excited to be a part of it. I can’t wait to get to work and start helping our players achieve their goals.”
Following his playing career, Madsen served as an assistant coach during the 2009-10 season with the Utah Flash of the NBA G League before returning to his alma mater, Stanford University, where he earned an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2012. That same year, he was named an assistant coach at Stanford on Johnny Dawkins’ staff and spent the 2012-13 season working in recruiting, opponent game planning, and player skill development.
Madsen spent four years as a player at Stanford (1996-2000), where he earned All-American honors in each of his final two seasons while helping the Cardinals to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including the 1998 Final Four. He gained the nickname “Mad Dog” while at Stanford for his aggressive style of play. The nickname stayed with him throughout his NBA career. Madsen averaged 10.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game during his four seasons with the Cardinals. He ranks fourth all-time in field goal percentage (58.7) and sixth in rebounds (857). During his time at Stanford, the team compiled an impressive 105-24 overall record.
“Mark Madsen embodies the mission and vision that we strive for here at UVU. He’s hungry and filled with passion. Coach Madsen will work tirelessly to help his players achieve their dreams,” said Dr. Jared Sumsion, interim athletic director.
A native of Danville, Calif., Madsen earned his undergraduate degree in economics in 2000. He graduated from San Ramon Valley High School and served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Spain. He and his wife, Hannah, have one son, William.