In elevating Gard — the Badgers’ interim coach since his mentor, Bo Ryan, abruptly retired in December — to the permanent coaching position two days before the start of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Alvarez followed a tried-and-true formula for success at UW. He hired a coach who has lived and breathed Badgers basketball for decades, who brings unquestioned commitment and loyalty to the program, who fully understands how to function and win at the school.
Office of Strategic Communication