Dick Bennett is the one who got the Badgers going in hoops.................................
"In 1995, Bennett replaced
Stan Van Gundy at the
University of Wisconsin–Madison as the head coach of the men's basketball team. In Bennett's first year, the
Wisconsin Badgersearned a bid in the
NIT. A year later, the Badgers notched their first winning record in
Big Ten Conference play since 1974, and only their second since 1954. He coached Wisconsin to three NCAA tournament appearances, including the
2000 Final Four.
[10] The Badgers had played in a total of three NCAA tournaments in their entire history prior to his arrival. Bennett also coached Wisconsin to its first ever 20-win season in 1998–99. Bennett resigned three games into the 2000–01 season citing
burnout.
[11] During his tenure at
Wisconsinhe was 94–68 (.580) from 1995–2000."