Men’s Basketball Team’s Quiet Dominance

Sixteen consecutive Central Valley Conference titles;

Two California state championships;

The Fresno City College Men’s basketball team exudes DOMINANCE.

Looking at professional basketball teams that have dominated in years past, such as the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls which won an NBA championship after amassing a regular season record of 72 wins against 10 losses. Recently, the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors won a record of 73 wins against just 9 losses. This type of dominance is incredibly rare even for the best of teams. The feat that FCC has accomplished over the better part of two decades is unprecedented.

On a relatively smaller spectrum, the game remains the same. It is nearly impossible to fathom that one team can dominate a conference for so long. For a team with such prestige, why does it seem like there is still a relative quietness about the program around FCC.

What you will not see are signs of accolades everywhere or parading of star players or signs that such an athletically dominant presence is located at FCC. How does a program that is ranked in the top 1 percent of junior colleges and once the second ranked team in the nation by “Basketball Times,” fly under the radar?

Look no further than 11-year head coach Ed Madec. Taking over in the 2006-07 season, Coach Madec is responsible for leading the team to 10 consecutive CVC titles and two state titles.

“Work ethic, the character of the people involved, and maybe a little bit of luck,” coach Madec said about the main reason for the program’s success.

Although a man of little words, his influence on the program speaks loudly. One look at a Rams’ game shows their defense, great shooting, and most importantly, zero selfishness.

“When recruiting,” Madec said, “the first thing that I do is look at a guy’s character.”

At most sporting events, you will normally hear the voice of the head coach barking out orders throughout the game. The FCC coach, however, has a different method. You can often find coach Madec talking to his bench in a low tone rather than a loud scream of directions to players.

“In order to achieve greatness, you have to be different,” said Reedley College Tigers head coach TJ Jennings.

The Rams are about a week away from the official opening of the college basketball season. Undoubtedly they will be the preseason prohibited favorites, as they look to capture their 17th consecutive CVC championship.

The team will start its tune-up process by participating in the San Francisco Juco Jamboree Tournament on Sept. 23 and 24.

Madec summed up his success in one word: “Passion.”