College basketball player Jared Uthoff’s transfer from Wisconsin to Iowa this week just added more spice in the border state’s rivalry.
Uthoff’s story became a national one when Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan placed major transferring restrictions on a guy that never played a minute for the Badgers. Originally, Ryan said Uthoff couldn’t transfer to any Big Ten or ACC school or places like Marquette or Iowa State. For all we know, Ryan could have added all universities in Iceland and Spain too to the “Don’t Even Think About It” list. But Ryan was viewed as Dr. Evil in the national media and eventually loosened his iron hand.
If Ryan thought Uthoff would eventually end up at Iowa, his hunch was correct. Now in a couple years, the former Iowa Mr. Basketball can suit up against old team and try to beat them.
Uthoff must really want to play for the Hawkeyes. Not only must he sit out the usual one year for transferring, but he will also pay for his own schooling the first year.
My question is why Uthoff didn’t select Iowa out of high school. If it was based upon former Iowa coach Todd Lickliter's win troubles and style of play, I say, “hello.” Yes, Ryan wins at Wisconsin but he plays that same dull controlled offense style Lickliter was using.
Uthoff better bring some earplugs the first time he plays in Madison. The friendly place could become unfriendly in a hurry.
Aren’t rivalries fun?
Showing posts with label Bo Ryan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bo Ryan. Show all posts
Friday, June 8, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Wisconsin Badgers do the Right Thing
The Wisconsin Badgers have officially released Jarod Uthoff from transfer prison.
This story developed when Uthoff wanted to transfer from Wisconsin after sitting out his freshman season as a redshirt. For my international readers, a redshirt can participate in team activities including practices but cannot play in actual games.
Usually a player and coach will say nice things about each other after the transfer decision is announced and the player will go on its merry way. But Uthoff’s case became a national story because Wisconsin coach Bob Ryan and the school put major restrictions on where Uthoff could transfer.
The NCAA allows schools to put restrictions on transfers, but most schools put only a small handful of teams on the list. Often, schools won’t allow a player to attend another conference school or one of their biggest rivals. But Wisconsin first said that Uthoff couldn’t go to the entire ACC, the Big Ten (where the Badgers are a member), Florida, Marquette and Iowa State.
Uthoff cried foul.
The former 2011 Iowa Mr. Basketball wanted at least the opportunity to consider a wide range of schools. Apparently, more than half of Uthoff’s options were on Wisconsin’s no-no list.
Uthoff appealed to Wisconsin officials and after a meeting Thursday, the Badgers will now allow him to transfer to any school but a Big Ten member. There is talk that Uthoff may appeal that ruling too so he can consider a Big Ten school.
Ryan and his program were taking considerable national heat over the restrictive behavior. If Ryan was trying to prove a point, it didn’t work. Apparently, he caved in to the pressure and probably for good reason. If you were a recruit, would you want to go to Wisconsin with the thought that if it wasn’t a good fit and you wanted to transfer that Ryan would put you in prison too?
It’s probably too late for Wisconsin to avoid short-term recruiting damage, but at least Uthoff can consider more flavors rather than just vanilla and chocolate.
This story developed when Uthoff wanted to transfer from Wisconsin after sitting out his freshman season as a redshirt. For my international readers, a redshirt can participate in team activities including practices but cannot play in actual games.
Usually a player and coach will say nice things about each other after the transfer decision is announced and the player will go on its merry way. But Uthoff’s case became a national story because Wisconsin coach Bob Ryan and the school put major restrictions on where Uthoff could transfer.
The NCAA allows schools to put restrictions on transfers, but most schools put only a small handful of teams on the list. Often, schools won’t allow a player to attend another conference school or one of their biggest rivals. But Wisconsin first said that Uthoff couldn’t go to the entire ACC, the Big Ten (where the Badgers are a member), Florida, Marquette and Iowa State.
Uthoff cried foul.
The former 2011 Iowa Mr. Basketball wanted at least the opportunity to consider a wide range of schools. Apparently, more than half of Uthoff’s options were on Wisconsin’s no-no list.
Uthoff appealed to Wisconsin officials and after a meeting Thursday, the Badgers will now allow him to transfer to any school but a Big Ten member. There is talk that Uthoff may appeal that ruling too so he can consider a Big Ten school.
Ryan and his program were taking considerable national heat over the restrictive behavior. If Ryan was trying to prove a point, it didn’t work. Apparently, he caved in to the pressure and probably for good reason. If you were a recruit, would you want to go to Wisconsin with the thought that if it wasn’t a good fit and you wanted to transfer that Ryan would put you in prison too?
It’s probably too late for Wisconsin to avoid short-term recruiting damage, but at least Uthoff can consider more flavors rather than just vanilla and chocolate.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Blue Collar Basketball
If you are a fan of blue collar basketball, tonight’s NCAA Sweet Sixteen game between Butler and Wisconsin is your kind of contest.
This game should be an interesting one, but ugly. If you are looking for style points, you better switch to the ABC program “Dancing with the Stars.”
Wisconsin is the favorite as the No. 4 seed. Badger basketball features tough defense and patient offense (better know as pass, pass, pass the ball, then shoot). Coach Bo Ryan just knows how to win. Point guard Jordan Taylor and post guy Jon Leuer are Wisconsin’s top players.
Butler came on the scene last year with a championship game appearance. The Bulldogs were thought to be down this season, but look at them now. The upset win over No. 1 seed Pittsburgh raised the national presence again. Like Wisconsin, Butler plays solid defense and finds enough offense. Guard Shelvin Mack and forward Matt Howard can provide the offense. Coach Brad Stevens national coach stock has risen in the last couple years, but the guy that looks like a college professor says he is happy at Butler.
Because both teams preach defense, this game could be decided on which team gets hot on the offensive end.
But regardless, prepare for that grinder game. This one won’t make many highlight reels. Trust me.
This game should be an interesting one, but ugly. If you are looking for style points, you better switch to the ABC program “Dancing with the Stars.”
Wisconsin is the favorite as the No. 4 seed. Badger basketball features tough defense and patient offense (better know as pass, pass, pass the ball, then shoot). Coach Bo Ryan just knows how to win. Point guard Jordan Taylor and post guy Jon Leuer are Wisconsin’s top players.
Butler came on the scene last year with a championship game appearance. The Bulldogs were thought to be down this season, but look at them now. The upset win over No. 1 seed Pittsburgh raised the national presence again. Like Wisconsin, Butler plays solid defense and finds enough offense. Guard Shelvin Mack and forward Matt Howard can provide the offense. Coach Brad Stevens national coach stock has risen in the last couple years, but the guy that looks like a college professor says he is happy at Butler.
Because both teams preach defense, this game could be decided on which team gets hot on the offensive end.
But regardless, prepare for that grinder game. This one won’t make many highlight reels. Trust me.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Congratulations Wisconsin Badgers
I wasn’t surprised that Wisconsin upset Ohio State Saturday. The then No. 1 Buckeyes were ripe for picking and the Badgers are an outstanding basketball team.
If I was Ohio State, I wouldn’t want to come to Madison, Wisconsin. Last fall the No. 1 ranked football team came west and the Badgers knocked that team off too. So, Wisconsin is an impressive 2-0 over the Buckeyes during this school year.
But back to the Wisconsin hoops team. Coach Bo Ryan runs a great program. In his 10th season in Madison, Ryan is 236-87 and has taken the Badgers to nine straight NCAA tournaments.
Ryan’s teams play tough defense, have good scorers and recruit players that buy into the team concept. Wisconsin is a difficult team to play because it doesn’t make many mistakes. Plus, the Badgers go at their opponents for the entire game. Wisconsin usually has one or two top players and some solid role players. All these ingredients spell success with a capital S.
Look for the Badgers to make noise in the remainder of the regular season and into the NCAA tournament. That seems the Wisconsin way.
If I was Ohio State, I wouldn’t want to come to Madison, Wisconsin. Last fall the No. 1 ranked football team came west and the Badgers knocked that team off too. So, Wisconsin is an impressive 2-0 over the Buckeyes during this school year.
But back to the Wisconsin hoops team. Coach Bo Ryan runs a great program. In his 10th season in Madison, Ryan is 236-87 and has taken the Badgers to nine straight NCAA tournaments.
Ryan’s teams play tough defense, have good scorers and recruit players that buy into the team concept. Wisconsin is a difficult team to play because it doesn’t make many mistakes. Plus, the Badgers go at their opponents for the entire game. Wisconsin usually has one or two top players and some solid role players. All these ingredients spell success with a capital S.
Look for the Badgers to make noise in the remainder of the regular season and into the NCAA tournament. That seems the Wisconsin way.
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