Bo Ryan: Another Hill to Climb

by Bo Ryan, Mike Lucas

Bo knows hoops. As a member of the exclusive 500-win club, University of Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan has the second highest winning percentage among active coaches (with at least 500 victories) in college basketball, second only to North Carolina's Roy Williams. Ryan's formula for success can be traced back to UW-Platteville, where he won four national championships during a memorable 15-year run punctuated by two undefeated seasons. But there was still another hill to climb for Ryan, the all-time winningest coach in Division III history. After a short layover at UW-Milwaukee, where he coached the Panthers to their first back-to-back winning seasons in eight years, Ryan welcomed the challenge of proving himself all over again at the Big Ten level. And it didn't take long for Ryan to make his mark with the University of Wisconsin basketball program. In his first season, he guided the Badgers to their first share of the conference title in 55 years. Since then, Ryan has raised the bar to unprecedented heights, leading the Badgers to the four winningest seasons in school history. Ryan's first six teams averaged 23.7 wins per season, capped by the program's first ever No. 1 national ranking and a school record 30 victories in 2006-07. The victory record was broken the next year as the 2007-08 team finished 31-5. Ryan's competitive fire, attention to detail and commitment to executing the fundamentals has been at the core of his success, along with his signature Swing offense. And it all serves as a valuable road map for young coaches. In his autobiography Another Hill To Climb Ryan talks about the many people who have influenced his journey, beginning with his formative years in Chester, PA., where the 'street-smart'' Ryan nurtured his point guard mentality. Known as a fascinating storyteller, Ryan also talks about the hurdles and the highlights that accompanied each step, and the importance of developing a plan that will transcend any level of competition.

Genres: Sports, Basketball, Nonfiction

230 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2008

Reviews

[Matt G]

I just finished the book Bo Ryan: Another Hill to Climb, and I thought that it was going to be a good book and I wanted to read it because I like Bo Ryan as a coach and he is talked a lot about in my family and I wanted to learn more about him. The book started off a little slow and it was kind of confusing but the more you read about Bo and his life as well as all the years that he has coached it starts to get interesting. In fact once you get to the end you really want to read this book and there are many lessons that you can get from this book, especially if you are a basketball fan, and especially if you play the game of basketball or coach it. To answer the prompt for goodreads I think that the plot in this book is believable, because not only is it a biography book but it is all about basketball and it all fits in with his life the way that the book is explaining it. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a heavier read, and loves the game of basketball, people who like sports or anyone who likes or wants to know more about Bo Ryan.

[Jess Lawton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed following the names of the basketball players that played in Wisconsin, I was disappointed with this book. I thought the writing itself lacked rhythm. I was hoping for more stories about Bo himself and his family life. With all the energy that Bo has, I was expecting that energy to be transferred to the pages. I did feel that he was real, but I did not get as much about coaching philisophies or his drive as I wanted. I do admire his committment to his former coaches, his allegiance to the game, and his interest in keeping Wisconsin kids in Wisconsin, although I could also have gotten this information through a few articles on the UW website instead of hours reading the book.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned it's ok not to have to win every discussion and it is ok not to always get the last word. Both great things to remember when dealing with people. Bo is amazing in that he seems to be able to compartmentalize things so nothing is overwhelming to him. I found it interesting that he was sent to a Christian Day School to finish his elementary education and that he appreciated the structure and discipline received there.

A good read for any Badger fan.......

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the Bo and Badger fan, worth it. For the sports novice, eh. For the writing critic, yikes. I enjoyed 'Another Hill' for its anecdotal approach to the history of Bo's teams and his life in Chester, which all interests me. The informal writing style and structure would motivate non-fans to run "the hill" instead of endure the pain of reading it.

[Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

local charm - especially interesting for those with a Philadelphia or Madison sports interest

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It is not just for Badger fans, but for lovers of college basketball.

[Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love basketball...I'm from Wisconsin...I LOVE THIS BOOK! Bo Ryan is my all-time favorite coach, so this was a good read for me! I recommend it for anyone who absolutely loves basketball!

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about how awesome Bo Ryan is, and he is awesome.

[Randy Wojtasiak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a Badger fan so I'm biased. Good read

[Brent]

If you're a Badger fan it's a must read.

[Khiliah Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

its a good book, very motivational coach