When the word ""emotional"" is used to describe Wisconsin men's basketball head coach Bo Ryan, his fiery demeanor on the sidelines is usually what comes to mind. The word took on a different meaning Saturday in Platteville, as Ryan fought back tears in the arena to which he brought so much success.
Ryan was honored Saturday at UW-Platteville's Williams Fieldhouse as the court there officially became dedicated to the most prolific head coach in Pioneer basketball history. ""Bo Ryan Court"" was unveiled in front of a capacity crowd.
""It's quite an honor,"" a tearful Ryan said. ""By combining the fundraising efforts with it, it's been a very, very good cause and it's going to help a lot of people. That is really exciting.""
""The people in this area were so supportive,"" Ryan, joined by his wife Kelly and their children, continued. ""We felt we represented a heck of a lot more than just the university. And the university is something we're very proud of. It just seems that this is a family here that continues to grow and we're happy to come back and be a part of it.""
Ryan accumulated a 353-76 record (82.2 percent) over 15 seasons with the Pioneers, winning four national championships and eight Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships. After his first year in Platteville, Ryan lost a combined 13 home games over his remaining 14 years. Coaches in the seven seasons before this year have lost 27.
""I was a part of coach Ryan's first recruiting class. So to be able to say that I'm here watching this, we all consider ourselves family,"" senior forward Alando Tucker said. ""His wife is out there, his kids, we're his students, his family. It's just great for the whole family to be there.""
The Badger players and coaches joined Ryan at the ceremony.
