Bronson Koenig. Photo from Wisconsin Basketball / Twitter
Bronson Koenig, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, made history this week as the first Native American to start and play in an NCAA finals game. The 6-foot-4 sophomore scored 10 points in Monday's heated matchup. It wasn't enough for University of Wisconsin Badgers to defeat Duke University but he took the loss in stride. "I'm sorry to all of our great fans that we didn't get the job done like we should have," Koenig said on Twitter. "Best fans in the country." With two more years still ahead of him, Koenig will have plenty of opportunity to shine. He's also proud to serve as a role model and mentor for young Native Americans. “I try to give back as much as I possibly can because they’ve given me so much," Koenig told Sports Illustrated earlier this year, referring to the support he's received from his tribe and others in Indian Country. According to NDNSports.Com, other Native Americans have been on teams that made it to the NCAA Final Four. But Koenig is the first to play in the final game. Get the Story:
‘Not Enough Long Hairs in College Hoops’ Sports Legends on Wisconsin Guard Bronson Koenig's NCAA Tourney (Indian Country Today 4/9)
Wisconsin’s Future In Good Hands With Bronson Koenig (CBC 4/7)
Wisconsin Badgers Fall to Duke in NCAA Final, Bronson Koenig Scored 10 in Loss (Indian Country Today 4/7)
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