Episode 192: Adam Mazarei, University of California, Associate Head Coach

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Adam Mazarei, the Associate Head Coach at the University of California. Coach Mazarei’s coaching journey began with Impact Basketball which would lead him into Moorpark College, where he served as an assistant before making the leap to the NBA as a player development coach for the Memphis Grizzlies. During his time in Memphis, he worked with and helped develop some of the league’s top talent. Coach Maz then transitioned back to the college ranks, serving as an assistant coach at Vanderbilt University before joining Cal’s staff. Known for his expertise in skill development, recruiting, and program building, Mazarei has built a reputation as a detail-oriented coach who connects deeply with his players. His diverse experience across the NBA, Division I, and junior college levels has shaped his unique perspective on the game. In this episode we discuss what the key moments or relationships that helped open those doors for him to jump from the community college to NBA level, how pivotal fundraising is for a program in today’s era of basketball, and the most underrated skill young coaches should develop early in their careers.