After leading the Badgers to their first Big Ten regular-season title since 1947, UW men's basketball Head Coach Bo Ryan was named Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year Tuesday, marking the first time a Badger basketball coach has received the honor.
Ryan attributed his success to his team and staff. The award is voted on by members of the media.
\I don't know if 'surprised' is the word because I have all the experts tell me the only way it wasn't going to happen is if they have French judges,"" Ryan said. ""I've never accepted it as Coach of the Year. I've always accepted it as Staff of the Year.""
UW-Madison senior guard Travon Davis added that the award was well deserved by Ryan.
""I think it's an honor. He definitely deserves it. He worked hard to get to this point,"" Davis said. ""Good things come to those who wait and he finally got it and he shows he's very worthy of it.""
Wisconsin junior guard Kirk Penney was also selected first-team all-Big Ten honors.
Penney said he learned of his selection when he arrived at practice Tuesday. He said he appreciated the honor, which is voted on by members of the media and coaches, but did not want it to affect his game.
""I knew if it came to be, again it's a tribute to the guys, but it would be very special, and it is,"" Penney said.
Ryan said he was not surprised the coaches selected Penney.
""If the coaches are sitting there voting and they're looking at which player is good for their teams, to put them in better standings, how could Kirk Penney not be a player that is put into that category?"" Ryan said.
UW-Madison senior Charlie Wills was selected for honorable mention.
Ryan said Wills was one reason the basketball team had become harder to beat.
The team will enter the Big Ten Tournament Friday and will play the winner of the Purdue-Iowa game Thursday at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. Penney said the preparation for this game is similar to that of regular-season games.
""Either way you're in for a battle, that's obvious. Either team is a tough team and very hard to play,"" he said. ""We just have to do our best.\
