This is the last in a series of stories previewing the men’s and women’s college basketball season.
Mark Madsen still remembers when Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson said a few simple yet impactful words in a room that included Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
“Every single man in this room has talents and abilities that can help this team win,” said Madsen, recalling the words of the famed NBA coach who won 11 NBA championships with the Lakers and Chicago Bulls.
Those words empowered Madsen, made him feel like he was just as important as the Hall of Fame players making millions of dollars and getting all the shots.