Mark Madsen, the head coach of the California (Cal) basketball team, has achieved a significant victory in high school recruiting with the commitment of four-star guard Jovani Ruff for the Class of 2025. Ruff announced his decision to join the Bears in a video on YouTube, choosing Cal over competing offers from Kansas, Oregon, and USC.
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5 and weighing 180 pounds, Ruff is a rising senior at Long Beach Poly High and holds the ranking of the No. 41 overall prospect in the Class of 2025, as reported by On3’s weighted average of rankings from four major recruiting sites.
In a recent interview with Rivals, Ruff expressed his admiration for Coach Madsen and his coaching staff, emphasizing their energy, youth, and profound understanding of the game. Despite receiving offers from other prestigious institutions such as Arizona State, LSU, and UCLA, Ruff was swayed by the appeal of Cal’s coaching team and the growth potential of the basketball program. He specifically noted the development of players and the role he is expected to play as a freshman in the team, underscoring the importance of equitable opportunities for playing time.
Ruff’s exceptional performance on the court has garnered attention from various college basketball programs. His outstanding talent was demonstrated in a game where he scored 27 points, including a game-winning 3-pointer, securing Long Beach Poly High’s victory in the CIF Southern Section Division 2A semifinals.
With Ruff’s commitment, the Cal basketball team is poised to benefit from his prowess and contribute significantly to their performance in the upcoming seasons. As the team continues to grow and evolve, Ruff’s decision to join the Bears is viewed as a significant milestone in their journey to success.