University Of Wisconsin Green Bay Men's Basketball
When one thinks of college basketball powerhouses, the University of Wisconsin Green Bay may not immediately come to mind. However, this unassuming school has produced some of the best basketball players in the country, and the men's basketball team has a storied history that spans decades. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the rich legacy of the University of Wisconsin Green Bay men's basketball team.
A Brief History of UWGB Men's Basketball
The University of Wisconsin Green Bay first fielded a men's basketball team in the 1969-1970 season, and it didn't take long for the Phoenix to make a name for themselves on the court. The team quickly developed a reputation for its fast-paced style of play, and its fierce determination to win.
One of the most successful eras for UWGB men's basketball came in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when the team won four regular season Horizon League titles under head coach Mike Heideman. During this period, the Phoenix also made three appearances in the NCAA Tournament, with their best showing coming in 1994, when they advanced to the second round.
Notable Players and Coaches
Over the years, the UWGB men's basketball program has produced a number of players who have gone on to success at the professional level. Perhaps the most famous of these is Tony Bennett, who played for the Phoenix from 1988-1992. After a standout college career, Bennett went on to play professionally in New Zealand, and later became a successful college basketball coach, leading the University of Virginia to a national championship in 2019.
Other notable players from the UWGB program include Jeff Nordgaard, who played for the Phoenix from 1990-1994, and went on to play professionally in Europe for over a decade; and Keifer Sykes, who played for UWGB from 2011-2015, and has had a successful professional career in Europe and Asia.
In addition to its talented players, the UWGB men's basketball program has also been led by a number of successful coaches over the years. In addition to Mike Heideman, who coached the team from 1999-2005, other notable coaches include Brian Wardle, who coached the team from 2010-2015, and led the Phoenix to two NCAA Tournament appearances; and Linc Darner, who took over as head coach in 2015, and has continued the program's tradition of success.
The Future of UWGB Men's Basketball
Looking ahead, the future of the UWGB men's basketball program looks bright. Under the leadership of head coach Linc Darner, the team has continued to compete at a high level, and has made two appearances in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament in the past three years.
Additionally, the program has continued to attract talented players from around the country and around the world. Recent recruits include players from Michigan, Illinois, and Australia, among other places.
Conclusion
The University of Wisconsin Green Bay men's basketball program may not have the same level of recognition as some of the more high-profile college basketball programs in the country. However, its rich history, talented players and coaches, and focus on excellence both on and off the court have made it a force to be reckoned with in college basketball circles. As the program continues to move forward, it will undoubtedly continue to build on its legacy of success and excellence.
