Jan. 13, 2004
When will people give the Wisconsin program the respect it deserves? Wisconsin has won or shared the past two Big Ten regular-season championships, and coach Bo Ryan's club looks like the conference heavyweight again this season.

Come NCAA Tournament time, I really believe the Badgers are one of 15 teams capable of winning four straight games to reach the Final Four in San Antonio. And Wisconsin has not been at full strength, with sophomore forward Alando Tucker missing lots of time with a foot injury.

	Why shouldn't Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan smile? His Badgers have won 38 straight at home ... but unbeaten Illinois looms Tuesday (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET).

Ryan, in his third season in Madison, is one of the most underrated coaches in America. He will deserve coach-of-the-year consideration when it is all said and done this season.

After broadcasting Wisconsin's 77-64 win over Michigan State on Saturday and seeing the Badgers play in person, I came away even more impressed than when I've watched them on TV.

I saw discipline, execution and a number of different offensive threats. Wisconsin also plays terrific defense, stifling opponents. The hard-working Badgers have their fans excited.

Wisconsin has interchangeable parts, which leads to tremendous offensive efficiency. I loved the ball movement and the confidence of players going to the basket. Back screens are one key to the offense.

It won't be easy for opponents to come into Madison and escape with a W. The Badgers have not lost a home league game under Ryan so far.

Junior guard Devin Harris should be proud of his leadership skills. The multitalented Harris has worked hard to make himself into one of the top 15 players in America. He did not come in as a McDonald's All-American, yet he's one of the premier performers in the nation. Harris leads a group of players scheduled to return next season.

Ryan has a good recruiting class coming in too -- and remember that freshman center Brian Butch, a McDonald's All-American, is redshirting this season. The future is bright for the Badgers.

Watch out for the Grateful Red! This team doesn't make mistakes, limits turnovers and can flat-out play ... go ask the College of Charleston, Indiana and Michigan State, the past three teams the Badgers rolled over convincingly.

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