MOSCOW, Idaho – Former Vandal great and third all-time leading scorer in Idaho men's basketball history, Stephen Madison, is a man of his word.  He proved it last year, and came back to Moscow to wrap up his degree and graduate.
 
"Obviously for me and my family it's a big thing to get a chance to graduate college," said Madison.  "Coming out of Idaho I was just thinking about my basketball career at the time and wasn't really thinking about the school part and how little I had left.
 
"I was able to get in contact with coach Verlin, and to find out that the NCAA has made some changes and will keep helping if you've been at a school for a certain number of years was a big deal."
 
Madison helped out with the basketball program last season while working toward his degree.  Off the court, Madison was something of a mentor to the very young squad.
 
"I wanted to show them that you can't just rely on your basketball," Madison said.  "Even having a great career at Idaho like I did, it's not always going to work out how you think.  You're not going to be able to play forever.  You need to finish your school, it's the most important thing so you can go out there and get a job after the fact."
 
He's also setting a personal example for his own family, specifically his daughter.
 
"You want what's best for your kids and you want to show them that you accomplished things also," Madison added.  "Not everyone gets a chance to go to college and finish college, so that was a big example to set for her, for her going forward and her future."
 
"I could not be happier for Steve to earn his meaningful degree from the University of Idaho," said interim head coach Zac Claus.  "This was a priority for him and I know it was important for his family and his wonderful daughter Harper.  Big things are ahead for Steve moving forward and I will continue to support him every step of the way."
 
Now it's time to use it.  Madison recently moved back West and is pursuing other opportunities.  This time, as a college grad.
 
"I'm working on some things," he closed with.  "I'm going to train some kids for now, and I'm still looking for a coaching job.  Something will come up soon.  We'll see what happens."
 
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho men's basketball by following the team on twitter, @VandalHoops. 

For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com.  Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals.