Bronson Koenig. Photo from Wisconsin Basketball / Twitter

Bronson Koenig, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, is a rising star in college basketball.

Sophomore Koenig plays for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, the number 5 ranked team in the country. But he hasn't forgotten his roots -- he finds time to meet with Native youth despite a busy academics and sports schedule.

“Bronson has looked outward and upward,” Ho-Chunk President Jon Greendeer told Sports Illustrated. “When you see someone like Bronson who epitomizes great health, you want to be that. He carries with him an aura of energy and excitement."

The tribe honored Koenig at the annual powwow last year. He grew up participating in the event and spending time at the tribe's learning center.

“I try to give back as much as I possibly can,” Koenig told Sports Illustrated, “because they’ve given me so much.”

Get the Story:
Koenig relishes growing roles with Wisconsin, Native American tribes (Sports Illustrated 1/28)
Badgers' Koenig embraces being role model for Native American community (Fox Sports 1/27)