Then, revealing that Donahue was simply unable to take on the role at that time, Ryan said the event kept him from spending time last summer at the Jersey Shore with friends such as Donahue, Villanova coach Jay Wright, Temple coach Fran Dunphy, and St. Joseph's coach Phil Martelli.
"He knows a lot of guys I know," Ryan said. A lot of playgrounds around the Philly area that he played on, I've played on. That guy is a tough [one], and I'm hoping somebody will say every once in a while that I fell into that category."
Donahue, 47, who eliminated good friend Dunphy's team from the tournament, said he has known Ryan for "a long time." Ryan picked up his 600th career win yesterday in a career that also includes stints at Division III Wisconsin-Platteville and Division I Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
"I admire him climbing the ladder in this profession," Donahue said. "I know his father. We grew up 10 minutes apart, and a lot of guys that know him well are my contemporaries. He's been very good to me. It's another one of those Philly things."
For Ryan and Donahue, the next goal is to reach the NCAA Sweet 16. Both cannot go.
"You know what you're going to get from Wisconsin," Donahue said. "They're like Temple in that they're going to do things at their pace. They will guard you and take good shots."
"They've got size, they've got shooters and a great penetrator," Ryan said. "I know they have a good team and can do it different ways. That's how you advance in the NCAA tournament.
Contact staff writer Kevin Tatum at 215-854-2583 or ktatum@phillynews.com.
