Bo Ryan snarled. Zak Showalter practically swooned. Ryan hollered, and other freshmen wilted. Showalter eagerly waited for more.
Yes, the senior guard admits now, the legendary Wisconsin coach can be intimidating. He empathizes with those who have been on the receiving end of a Ryan rant, while acknowledging it is sort of what he lived for growing up.
Most walk-ons at top 25 programs show up because they’re desperate to be part of the team, content to ride the bench while stars take most the minutes. Showalter, who will start his 65th consecutive game for the Badgers Thursday night against Iowa, is a different story.