From Zero to Hero – The Unknown Player Every Warriors Coach Is Obsessed With!

The NBA Summer League is a stage where dreams are born, and for Gabe Madsen, an undrafted guard from the University of Utah, it’s proving to be a golden opportunity. After a standout college career, Madsen signed with the Golden State Warriors for the 2025 NBA Summer League, and his electrifying performance against the Utah Jazz—scoring 22 points in just 17 minutes—has turned heads. With a reputation as Utah’s all-time leading three-point shooter, Madsen’s hot hand and seamless fit with the Warriors’ system have sparked excitement about his potential. Could this 24-year-old be the hidden gem Golden State needs? Let’s analyze his journey, his Summer League impact, and what lies ahead for this sharpshooting sensation.

From College Star to Undrafted Prospect

Gabe Madsen’s basketball journey spans five college seasons, one at Cincinnati and four at the University of Utah, where he cemented his legacy as a prolific scorer. In the 2024-25 season, Madsen averaged 15.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game across 33 contests, shooting 37.1% from the field and 32.2% from three-point range. His standout trait was his long-range shooting, making over 100 threes in each of his final two seasons, earning him the title of Utah’s all-time leading three-point shooter. At 6’5 ¼” with a knack for moving off the ball, Madsen drew praise from Kansas coach Bill Self, who noted his athleticism and ability to create separation, calling him “one of the best movers without the ball” after a standout performance against Cincinnati where he sank eight threes.

Despite these credentials, Madsen went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, ranked as the 89th prospect in DraftExpress’ Top 100. Undeterred, he signed a Summer League contract with the Golden State Warriors, a team known for valuing sharpshooters who fit their motion-heavy, three-point-centric system. The Warriors’ Summer League roster, announced on June 30, 2025, included Madsen alongside rookies like Will Richard and Alex Toohey, setting the stage for him to prove his worth.

A Breakout Performance in Las Vegas

Madsen’s defining moment came on July 13, 2025, during the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas, where the Warriors defeated the Utah Jazz 103-93. Coming off the bench, Madsen erupted for 22 points in just 17 minutes, shooting 7-of-12 from the field and an impressive 6-of-10 from three-point range. He added one rebound, one assist, and two steals, showcasing his all-around impact. His first-half performance was particularly dazzling, as he poured in 18 points on 6-of-7 three-point shooting, earning praise from analysts and fans alike. Steve Bartle of KSLSports tweeted, “Gabe Madsen is on a heater, 18 first half points on 6/7 shooting from 3. Golden State seems like an ideal fit for him,” while Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune noted his unexpected dominance, saying, “The U’s Gabe Madsen… is the leading scorer of this game rn.”

This performance wasn’t a one-off. In an earlier California Classic game against Miami, Madsen contributed 9 points and 5 assists in 19 minutes, shooting 3-of-6 from three. His ability to stretch the floor and move off the ball aligns perfectly with the Warriors’ style, reminiscent of players like Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry. The Warriors’ dominance in the Jazz game—out-rebounding Utah 47-33 and shooting 84% from the free-throw line—highlighted their depth, with Madsen’s scoring outburst complementing contributions from Alex Toohey (15 points) and Jaden Shackelford (12 points).

Why Madsen Fits the Warriors

The Warriors’ system thrives on ball movement, off-ball screens, and three-point shooting, making Madsen a natural fit. His college stats demonstrate a reliable outside shot, with 313 career three-pointers at Utah, and his Summer League performance shows he can translate that skill to the professional level. At 6’6” and 200 pounds, Madsen has the size to defend multiple positions, and his 1.0 steals per game in college suggest defensive tenacity. His ability to score efficiently in limited minutes—22 points in 17 minutes against the Jazz—proves he can make an immediate impact off the bench, a valuable trait for a Warriors team looking to bolster its second unit.

Analysts have noted Madsen’s potential to earn a two-way contract or a spot with the Warriors’ G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors. Yardbarker suggested that “the Warriors may have found a hidden gem” in Madsen, given his undrafted status and standout performances. His fit is further enhanced by Golden State’s history of developing undrafted players, like former Summer League standouts Lester Quiñones and Anthony Lamb, into contributors. Madsen’s high basketball IQ and team-oriented play, as highlighted by DubNationHQ, align with the Warriors’ emphasis on selfless, system-driven basketball.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While Madsen’s Summer League performance is promising, the path from Summer League to an NBA roster is fraught with challenges. Summer League success doesn’t always translate to regular-season production, as seen with past Warriors prospects like Anthony Randolph. Madsen’s 32.2% three-point shooting in his final college season raises questions about consistency, and he’ll need to prove he can maintain his efficiency against NBA-level defenders. Additionally, the Warriors’ backcourt is crowded, with only two of their own draft picks (Will Richard and Alex Toohey) on the Summer League roster, meaning Madsen faces stiff competition for a roster spot.

However, opportunities abound. The Warriors’ next Summer League game against the Memphis Grizzlies on July 15, 2025, offers Madsen a chance to face his former Utah teammate Lawson Lovering, adding a personal narrative to his quest. A strong showing could solidify his case for a training camp invite or a two-way deal. The Warriors’ need for cost-effective talent, especially after failing to secure major free-agent signings, makes Madsen’s low-risk, high-reward profile appealing. His performance against the Jazz, where he outshone Utah’s drafted rookies like Cody Williams and Kyle Filipowski, proves he can compete with top prospects.

The Bigger Picture: A Potential Steal for Golden State

Madsen’s emergence reflects the Warriors’ knack for uncovering undervalued talent, a hallmark of their dynasty. With Stephen Curry and Draymond Green anchoring the roster, Golden State needs role players who can stretch the floor and contribute immediately. Madsen’s Summer League stats—22 points on 6-of-10 three-point shooting against the Jazz, plus earlier contributions in Salt Lake City and the California Classic—suggest he could fill that role. His hometown connection as a Rochester Mayo High School graduate adds a feel-good story, with local outlets like the Post Bulletin and Yahoo Sports celebrating his rise.

The Warriors’ Summer League campaign, which includes games in the California Classic (July 5-8) and Las Vegas (July 10-20), is a proving ground for players like Madsen. Despite a rough start against Portland (a 106-73 loss), Madsen’s bounce-back performance against the Jazz shows resilience. As Golden State evaluates its roster ahead of the 2025-26 season, Madsen’s ability to replicate his July 13 performance could determine whether he earns a spot in training camp or the G League.

Gabe Madsen’s electrifying 22-point performance in the NBA 2K26 Summer League has put the basketball world on notice. As an undrafted sharpshooter from Utah, he’s proving he belongs on the big stage, lighting up the scoreboard with six first-half threes against the Jazz and earning praise as a potential “hidden gem” for the Golden State Warriors. With his next test against the Memphis Grizzlies looming, Madsen has a chance to cement his case for an NBA roster spot. Can this 6’6” sniper continue his hot streak and carve out a role in Golden State’s system? Share your thoughts below—has Madsen done enough to earn a two-way contract, or is he destined for the G League? The Summer League spotlight is on, and Madsen is shining bright.