> At a Glance
> – 24-year-old Mason Madsen was cut from the Valley Suns after a home win, receiving the news via a terse text from his coach.
> – He captured the moment on TikTok, drawing 270,000 views and nationwide support.
> – The guard is now back in Wisconsin, training daily while his agent pursues G-League or overseas offers.
> – Why it matters: Madsen’s viral honesty spotlights the brutal business side of pro basketball and the power of social-media transparency.
A single post-practice text-“Can you stop by the facility please?”-ended Mason Madsen’s G-League chapter but ignited a social-media wave that turned personal setback into public inspiration.
From Buzzer-Beater to Pink Slip
The Valley Suns had just secured a home victory when the 6-foot-3 guard felt his phone buzz. The five-minute walk to the gym felt endless; inside, coaches informed the rookie he was being waived to open a roster spot. Madsen filmed his exit, posted it to TikTok, and woke to 270,000 views plus thousands of messages from players and fans.
Madsen recalled:
> “They put us up in an apartment, meals by an in-house chef… but at the end of the day the club needs a return on investment. It’s just business.”
Documented Journey, Sudden Detour
Basketball shaped Madsen’s life from grade school in small-town Wisconsin to graduate-year minutes at Utah alongside his twin. After transferring from Cincinnati and Boston College, he:
- Vlogged every game day starting with a 2023 Italy-Spain tour
- Posted 102 consecutive “Road to Pro” clips before signing with the Suns last spring
- Maintained a Keep-It-Real mantra, showing workouts, bus rides, and eventual release
His viral cut clip reinforced that mission.
Madsen explained:
> “Showing adversity humanizes the experience. Athletes aren’t just entertainment; we have highs and lows like everyone else.”
Next Chapter: Home Gyms and Overseas Calls
Back in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Madsen trains twice daily, studies film, and leans on family, his girlfriend, and a supportive text from longtime trainer Mitch: “The story gets better-happening as it’s supposed to!”
| Focus Area | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Physical prep | Twice-daily workouts, shooting sessions, weight room |
| Contract search | Agent talking to G-League, European, and Asian clubs |
| Content plan | Continue daily vlogs to inspire and stay accountable |
Key Takeaways
- A single roster crunch ended his Valley Suns tenure after limited minutes as a rookie.
- His behind-the-scenes TikTok series captured the release, earning 270,000 views and broad support.
- Madsen credits 13 years and 10,000 hours of gym work for confidence amid uncertainty.
- Gratitude remains central: he thanks the Suns organization and vows to keep “sharing the journey transparently.”
The morning after the cut, he reminded himself he was healthy, loved, and still a pro-level player-proof that one text doesn’t define a career.
