Busting Brackets
Fansided

Wisconsin Basketball: A look at the Badgers’ success this century

By Lukas Harkins

Apr 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers players run on the court after the 2015 NCAA Men's Division I Championship semi-final game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Wisconsin won 71-64. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers players run on the court after the 2015 NCAA Men's Division I Championship semi-final game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Wisconsin won 71-64. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 7
Next
Apr 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers players run on the court after the 2015 NCAA Men’s Division I Championship semi-final game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Wisconsin won 71-64. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers players run on the court after the 2015 NCAA Men’s Division I Championship semi-final game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Wisconsin won 71-64. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Now one of the elite programs in college basketball, Wisconsin basketball has been tremendous since 2000. Let’s take a peek at their successes.

Behind outstanding coaches in Dick Bennett, Bo Ryan, and now Greg Gard, the Wisconsin Badgers have become one of the best programs in the country, including multiple deep runs in the NCAA Tournament and consistency very few can match. As we dive into their play over the past several seasons, it is hard to argue how good the Badgers have been.

As we dive into their play over the past several seasons, it is hard to argue how good the Badgers have been.

Starting in the 1999-2000 season, here is how the Wisconsin Badgers have fared in the 21st century, starting with the reign of Dick Bennett as head coach.

1999 – 2001: The End of Dick Bennett and the Final Four

1999-2000: 22-14 (8-8 Big Ten), Final Four

Just by looking at the record, this might not seem like an incredibly successful season. Yet, despite their fifth-place finish in the conference, this eight seed was a Cinderella story. With a defense that gave up just 55.8 points per game (fourth in the nation), the Badgers went all the way to the Final Four, their first appearance there since 1941. This was also their second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, which was the first such streak.

2000-2001: 18-11 (9-7 Big Ten), First Round

Although Head Coach Dick Bennett retired at the beginning of this season, interim coach Brad Soderberg still took the Badgers took the NCAA Tournament. The team finished fourth in the Big Ten but were upset in the first round in the Big Dance by 11-seed Georgia State. Even with this upset, this marked the third straight tournament appearance for the Badgers.

Home/Wisconsin Badgers