The Cal men's basketball team is thrilled to announce the addition of Isaiah Wilkins as an assistant coach. Wilkins, known for his championship mindset and deep basketball knowledge, joins the program after two successful seasons at Virginia. His hiring marks a significant step forward in enhancing the team's culture and performance. With his departure from Cal being Amorrow Morgan, who moved to Florida State, Wilkins brings a wealth of experience and leadership that will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of the players.

Wilkins' background includes playing under Tony Bennett at Virginia, where he excelled with his defensive prowess and high basketball IQ. As ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2018, Wilkins has demonstrated both on-court excellence and off-court mentorship potential. Transitioning into coaching roles since 2021, he quickly established himself as a rising star in collegiate basketball development, ready to bring this expertise to Berkeley.

Bringing Championship Mentality to Cal

Isaiah Wilkins arrives at Cal with a reputation for embodying a winning attitude shaped by his time at Virginia. Under Tony Bennett's guidance, Wilkins contributed significantly to the Cavaliers’ achievements, including two ACC regular-season titles and multiple NCAA tournament appearances. This experience, combined with his recognition as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2018, positions him uniquely to instill a competitive spirit among Cal’s student-athletes.

Mark Madsen, Cal's head coach, expressed excitement about Wilkins joining the team, highlighting his ability to connect deeply with players while offering profound insights into the game. Wilkins’ approach emphasizes relentless defense, strong leadership, and strategic thinking—qualities essential for elevating any basketball program. His tenure as a graduate assistant and later as an assistant coach at Virginia further solidifies his credentials as someone capable of fostering growth within young athletes. By integrating these principles into the Cal framework, Wilkins aims to create an environment conducive to excellence both academically and athletically.

A New Chapter in Coaching Development

In stepping into his new role at Cal, Wilkins reflects on the opportunity to build upon the university's rich history and tradition. Having transitioned smoothly from player to coach, he acknowledges the importance of nurturing not just basketball skills but also character and resilience in each athlete. Wilkins views this move as more than just a career advancement; it represents a chance to make meaningful contributions to the lives of students and the broader community.

As part of Mark Madsen's vision for Cal basketball, Wilkins intends to focus on developing well-rounded individuals who can thrive beyond their years on the court. His strategies prioritize building trust and communication with players, ensuring they feel supported and valued. Additionally, Wilkins plans to leverage his network and connections within the college basketball world to recruit top talent and enhance recruiting efforts overall. Through collaboration with fellow coaches and staff members, he envisions creating a cohesive unit committed to achieving long-term success on all fronts.