Top Five X’s & O’s Coaches In College Basketball

3. Bo Ryan – Wisconsin

Mar 2, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Bo Ryan watches from the bench during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

The System: Ryan is known for his Swing Offense, which we’ve already broken down in the past, and with its cuts and backdoor layups it looks like something out of the movie Hoosiers. But with the addition of ball screen entries, the Swing has both old school and new school qualities. Ryan has used the Swing to record over 700 wins in 30 years on the sidelines.

The Swing is all about versatility and skill. All five players on the court can and will play any of the four perimeter positions or the post. Ball reversal is the key and when the ball changes sides of the court defenses face those deadly baseline back screens that lead to easy layups.

Why it Works: Ryan’s system works because he brings in players with high basketball IQs and multiple skills. The Badgers play virtually mistake-free basketball when they are at their best. His players read defenses and make the proper cuts thanks to Ryan’s tried and true teaching methods.

Why it’s Here: The system has worked at every level of coaching for Ryan, from Division III to the Final Four in 2014. Ryan’s ability to teach players how to see the game and read each other requires a deep understanding of the game and gifts in the art of coaching.