UW basketball All-Decade Team

In just a matter of days, the decade of the 2000s will come to a close. With it, a new chapter in the book of Wisconsin basketball will be opened. Before that, though, BadgerBlitz.com takes a look back at some of the more memorable players of the decade as well as a quick overview of the past 10 seasons of Badger basketball.

A quick look back at the decade:

When it comes to the successful Badger basketball that most of us have come to enjoy and respect, a realization that struggles in the past paved way for better days in the future is needed. Until the run to the NCAA tournament in 1993-94, Wisconsin basketball had seen many years pass without much excitement in March.

Then Dick Bennett came along. And with it - though his style of play focused on defensive philosophy that often led to sluggishly slow games - came wins. To start the decade, Bennett, as well as his players rode that defensive momentum all the way to the Final Four.

Let the UW basketball renaissance begin.

Shortly after that run to Indianapolis, UW hired Bo Ryan. And we all know what the ninth year head coach and his teams have accomplished. Since he took over, Wisconsin has the best Big Ten Record (94-38) of any team, 201 wins, eight NCAA tournament appearances, three Big Ten titles, two Big Ten Tournament titles, an Elite Eight run and three Sweet 16s.

Ryan has also coached two All-American's during his eight season's and at least one All-Conference performer in each of his season's at the helm all while never finishing lower than fourth place in league play.

It has simply been a great decade for Wisconsin basketball.

Without further ado, here are the UW All-Decade Teams. By no means are these lists exact, which is why BadgerBlitz.com encourages you to discuss the teams in the Badgers' Den.

All-Decade First Team

G - Devin Harris (2001-04)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

During his junior season, and last at UW, Harris was named the Big Ten Player of the year. He finished his career with 1,425 career points, including his 624 point junior season that ranks second in school history for a single season. He was drafted No. 5 by the Washington Wizards in the 2004 NBA Draft. His rights were then traded to Dallas. He currently plays for the New Jersey Nets.

G - Michael Flowers (2004-08)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

Always a relentless defender, Flowers will be remembered for his hustle, passion and improvement throughout his time at Wisconsin. He finished with 829 points throughout his career and 171 career steals, good for third best in UW history. Flowers was also named to All-conference teams twice, his junior and senior season.

G - Kirk Penney (2000-03)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

Penny finished his career as a 43.4 percent shooter with 1,454 points. He also ripped down 484 rebounds over his career and hit 217 shots from beyond the arc, good for second best in school history. Penney was a key contributor in Ryan's first season at the helm and led his team to a share of the conference title and a first round win in the NCAA tournament.

F - Alando Tucker (2002-07)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

By the end of his career, Tucker surpassed Michael Finley as the school's all-time leading scorer in men's basketball. He finished with 2,217 points and helped lead the Badgers to its first ever No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press poll during his senior season. He was drafted in the first round by the NBA's Phoenix Suns in the 2007 NBA Draft and remains on their roster.

F - Mike Wilkinson (2002-05)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

Wilkinson is the second leading scorer under Bo Ryan with 1,532 points over the span of his career. He shot nearly 48 percent from the floor during his career and finished third in school history with 856 career rebounds. His 394 career free throws are also good for sixth all-time in school history. Wilkinson currently professionally in Russia.

All-Decade Second Team

G - Mike Kelley (1997-01)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

Kelly did not spend the majority of his career in this decade, but he was an integral player on the 2000 Final Four team and is far and away the school leader in career steals with 275. He is arguably the best defender in Wisconsin history.

G - Trevon Hughes (2006-PRESENT)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

Hughes just surpassed the 1,000-point club, becoming the ninth player under Bo Ryan and 34th player in school history to reach the plateau. Should he continue to play at his current level, Hughes could move up well inside the top-30 scorers of all time at Wisconsin.

G - Kammron Taylor (2004-07)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

Taylor finished his career with 1,223 points during his career and finished with a 10.3 points per game average. As a guard, he was a good rebounder as he collected 257 throughout the course of his career while also dishing 200 assists. Early in his career, he was a bit erratic, but by the time he finished, he was one of the better players of the decade.

F - Marcus Landry (2006-09)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

Landry continually improved throughout his career at Wisconsin and eventually finished with 1,114 points. He also finished fifth in school history with 99 blocked shots. He currently plays for the New York Knicks in the NBA.

F - Brian Butch (2003-08)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

Butch ranks in the top ten of school history in rebounds (667), offensive rebounds (222) and games played (124). He also finished with 1,115 points, good for sixth highest under Bo Ryan on 47 percent shooting. With the size of a post player, Butch still had a sweet stroke from the perimeter, which really forced defenders to respect his outside game.

All-Decade Third Team

G - Clayton Hanson (2002-05)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

Hanson played an integral role in leading UW to the elite eight and a near upset of No. 1 ranked and eventual champion North Carolina. He finished his career as the sixth best three-point shooter in UW history with a 41.9 percent clip from downtown.

G - Jason Bohannon (2006-PRESENT)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

By the time his career is over, Bohannon will likely be the 10th member to join the 1,000-point club under Bo Ryan. He is also currently 10th in school history with 384 three-point shots made. He has a legitimate shot of cracking 400 for his career and a chance to surpass Tracy Webster (406) for eighth place in school history.

F - Zach Morley (2002-05)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

Morley only started two years for Bo Ryan, but he was instrumental offensively and defensively. He finished his career with averages of 8.1 points and 5.3 assists per game. He now plays professionally in Spain.

F - Mark Vershaw (1997-01)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

Much like Kelley, Vershaw was one of the more important players during UW's famous run to the Final Four. He finished his career with 1,066 points, 452 rebounds and 311 assists.

F - Joe Krabbenhoft (2006-09)

" width="70" height="84" align="right">

During his time at Wisconsin, Krabbenhoft did a little bit of everything. He was a fierce rebounder, an above average defender and a player that played with a passion that was unmatched by many. He finished with 830 points over his career and ranks seventh in UW history with 756 rebounds.

Honorable Mention:

G- Travon Davis (1998-02)

G- Freddie Owens (2000-04)

G- Boo Wade (2002-05)

G- Sharif Chambliss (2004-05)

F- Dave Mader (2000-04)

F- Andreas Helmigk (2002-05)

F- Jon Leuer (2007-PRESENT)

F- Greg Stiemsma (2005-08)

Note: Photos used in this feature are courtesy of the Associated Press