Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan is known in Buckeye Nation as being one of the Big Ten's greatest villains on the sidelines, particularly for his "Deal With It" quote. Now he is receiving due as a great basketball coach.
On Saturday, Ryan (along with John Calipari and 10 other notable basketball figures) was named a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Ryan is an icon in the Badger state, having worked his way from Division III coach to Wisconsin head honcho over the course of 30 years.
Ryan's full statement on the honor, via an official release from Wisconsin:
“I’m extremely humbled and honored just to be mentioned with the other names on the nominee list. The Hall of Fame holds so many revered legends of basketball and many of the individuals who originally sparked my love for the game.”
“When I first planted my coaching roots years ago at the junior high level, I did so to be a teacher and help kids like my father did so selflessly. I never had intentions or even thoughts of being on Hall of Fame lists, but it’s quite an honor and I’m grateful to all of the players and coaches who have helped along the way.
“I have been blessed to work at some prestigious institutions that were willing to take a chance on me. I am thankful to so many individuals who granted me opportunities and trusted in me.”
With Wisconsin atop the Big Ten and playing beautiful basketball, it's as good a time as any to honor the Badgers coach. I just wish his teams could have started playing joga bonito before last year.
