Former University of Wisconsin men’s basketball coach Bo Ryan was formally recognized in Kansas City this week as part of the 2017 class for the College Basketball Hall of Fame.
As part of this year’s inductees, Ryan was flanked by former collegiate stars including Tim Duncan and John Stockton, who later become great players in the NBA.
“This is why I came,” Ryan said. “So I can get all their autographs.”
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But at the news conference with family and friends, Ryan had the biggest support group dressed in Badger red and recognizing him for 14 successful years with the Wisconsin Badgers.
Ryan was successful at UW-Platteville and UW-Milwaukee before his high-profile job as head coach of the Badgers. He said he appreciates the years he spent at UW-Platteville, where he guided the program to four Division III national titles.
“I liked coming up that way because we had to do lesson plans for our classes. We do practice plans, so we are teachers,” he said.
In 14 years with the Badgers, Ryan’s teams made the NCAA tournament in each season. He also set the all-time Badger record with 364 coaching victories. Although Ryan led the Badgers to two Final Four appearances during his tenure, he wasn’t able to take the team all the way.
In retirement these days, Ryan said he routinely attends Badgers homes games. He said he still enjoys the games as a fan and answers calls from time to time from coaching peers.
“I still stay involved in the game. I’ve done some clinics. Believe it or not, some of the younger coaches call me and ask questions,” he said.
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