In this episode of the WAC Hoops Digest Podcast, Kyle sits down with Utah Valley’s first-year head coach Mark Madsen at the NUVI Basketball Center. The two discuss what it’s been like for the new head coach of the Wolverines.
The two speak about the struggles of late as Utah Valley is on a 4-game losing streak. Three of the four losses have come on the road. The Wolverines lost at Mt. St. Mary’s, at Colorado State and at Southern Utah. The fourth loss came at home against in-state foe Weber State.
It seems like it has been a long time since the near-upset at 9th-ranked Kentucky. But, that is just part of the growing pains of having a new coach and a group of new players. Chemistry is important and Madsen seems to understand it will take a little time to get it right.
Madsen also talks about what he has learned over the first 11 games of his collegiate head coaching career. Injuries have been an issue. A short bench has been an issue.
Fortunately, Madsen has taken it all in stride and believes it will make his team better in the end. Getting some consistent play in the final four games of the non-conference slate are what matter most to Madsen. The Wolverines open WAC play at Chicago State on Jan. 2.
If Utah Valley can win its final four games of the non-conference slate, the Wolverines will go into WAC play with a winning record. Utah Valley is favored in all four games, according to KenPom. However, games are played on the court rather than paper. You just never know what you are going to get.
If Utah Valley is going to get back in the win column, it has to get better play out of its two guards, Brandon Averette and TJ Washington. In fact, everything runs through the two guards. And Madsen believes that their work ethics will show how good they really are going forward.
Utah Valley hosts Northern Arizona on Saturday night, looking to end its 4-game losing streak.
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