Celebrity Info
Back in 2001, he was hired as the head coach of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Badgers’ men’s basketball team, and that marked a major turning point in his career. Over the years, he built a strong legacy, guiding the Badgers to the Final Four in 2014—an impressive milestone. Then, just a year later in 2015, he led the team all the way to the NCAA Championship game, showcasing his leadership and strategic brilliance on a national stage.
Before all the fame and spotlight, though, he was already making waves on the court. As a standout point guard in high school, he played a key role in leading his team to an incredible 25-1 record during his senior year—proof of his talent and determination early on.
On a personal note, he married Kelly Ryan back in 1974, and together they’ve built a close-knit family. They have three daughters—Megan, Brenna, and Mairin—and two sons, Matt and Will. Family has clearly been a big part of his life. And speaking of roots, his father, Butch, also had a deep connection to the game, coaching basketball for underprivileged youths and passing down a lasting passion for the sport.
He’s authored a total of three books, each reflecting his deep knowledge and experience in the game. One of them is Bo Ryan: Another Hill to Climb, which gives great insight into the legendary coach’s journey. Then there’s The Swing Offense, a detailed breakdown of a classic basketball strategy that he’s long been associated with. And of course, he also wrote Passing and Catching: The Lost Art, a title that really shows his passion for fundamentals. He’s definitely made a mark not just on the court, but on the written page too. With each book, he’s shared valuable lessons that players and coaches alike can learn from. He truly understands the game inside and out, and that comes through clearly in his writing.
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Thailand
