Few people will ever know what it feels like to run out of a tunnel, the bright lights of an arena beaming down on you or the roar of thousands of fans cheering for you. To step up on the hardwood and know that by simply playing Division I basketball you are one of the best basketball players in the country. Next year, incoming freshman Ryan Haggerty will know that feeling.

The road to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Division I basketball is never an easy one, but this senior from Benet Academy handled it with class and persistence. Haggerty had set a goal for himself, “D-I or bust,” even after his junior campaign when many scouting services had projected him as Division III talent.

Even after repeated urges to not listen to the media, it’s hard to ignore when “experts” deem you not able to compete at the highest level. He continued on; that summer he went to play with the 17U Illinois Wolves in AAU ball over the summer. After playing and competing with many players who had already committed to D-I schools he was able to think, “Hey, I can play with these guys.” At the end of the summer he had received his first Division I offers from Cornell and American University. From there it truly was “D-I or bust.” By the end of his senior campaign, when he put up 10.4 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game, Haggerty had received half a dozen offers from mid-major schools around the Midwest. However, it was the kindness and personality of the coaching staff at UWM that persuaded him to attend college here.

“One of the key factors that drew me to UWM so quickly was the great feeling of community. Only a few days after committing I had already received messages from fans and students welcoming me to the family,” Haggerty said.

Even through the turmoil the Panthers faced during the season with players leaving the program for one reason or another, he admitted in an interview with the Journal Sentinel a few months ago that the way the team held together was another reason why UWM was a good place for him to go.

His overriding characteristics of class and versatility are also something that is endearing to the program. While he’s listed as a 6-foot-8 power forward, he feels more comfortable playing the small forward position. His high release and touch from behind the arc makes him hard to defend. However, with a lack of height on the team he may be forced into more of a low-post role.

None of this seems to bother him. “I think my versatility will allow me to play different positions based on trying to gain an advantage in a certain match-up.”

Haggerty’s attitude towards playing can be described in one statement. “I am ready to assume any role that is thrown at me.”

When given the option of red-shirting, in order to take a year off and ease into the college game, he declined. Already starting a workout program at home just to get ready for the college program, he’s not here to settle for a 14-16 record. Haggerty plans to bring hardware to Milwaukee and to go dancing in March.

“I want to be a contributor,” he said, “I, personally, can’t wait to get to UWM and start playing.”

For a team that needs to revamp its image, and to stockpile class and team players as well as talent, Haggerty is the perfect person to be the face of this team.

Haggerty also wanted to add his appreciation, “I would like to thank everyone who has welcomed me into the family, and I can’t wait to get up to Milwaukee and start bringing a winning tradition back to UWM.”

> Comments