>> As a kid, he was very, very shy. >> He's quiet and humble, he's not cocky at all. >> A shy kid from an early age, Bronson Koenig has been quietly shooting for stardom. >> I've never seen a kid work as hard as he did. >> Foot pull from the side. It's like this. Make sure to get that-- I can definitely relate to them. I always came to places like these as a kid and just wanted to play as much basketball as I could. I lived in the gym, I guess, I was here like six hours a day. Just shooting, ball handling stuff like that. >> He just wanted it, and he put the time in. >> There was a buzz about Bronson, and his hard work would get him noticed. >> He was at a tournament in La Crosse, and some father came running up to me. He was all excited and talking about Bronson making some shot. I really didn't know a lot about basketball, so I just said, "Oh, yeah, okay!"
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>> At this middle school state championship Bronson hit five shots from the three point arc.
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It's that kind of play that early on caught the attention of University of Wisconsin basketball coach, Bo Ryan. >> And I was told about him when he was in, like, fifth, sixth, seventh grade by a lot of well-wishers that said, he could be a player for you, Coach!" >> He had lots of pressure. He had coaches calling him all the time. >> Ninth-grade I got my first offer from UW-Green Bay. And then after my freshman year, my summer after I came to this camp, Coach Ryan called me up and offered me a scholarship. >> It was very easy to communicate with Bronson about college, about the experience, what it's gonna be like. >> Bronson rose to the challenge, leading La Crosse Aquinas to two straight state championships. He was named Wisconsin's high school basketball Player of the Year. >> It was exciting. Especially when the big name schools came after him. >> Bo Ryan and Wisconsin would have some competition to land this top recruit. >>
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Bronson Koenig. >> At 6'3" he was a premiere point guard, ranked one of the best in the country. >> I had offers from Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, Virginia, Marquette, other schools like that. >> This would be Bronson's big shot. >> Just kind of follow your heart, wherever. They kinda let me make my decisions. If I had questions then they'd help me along the way. >> This could be a dream come true. >> I remember watching Kirk Penny way back when I was really little. It's always been a dream of mine to play for the Badgers. I've always been a Bo Ryan fan, but to finally play for him, you know, it's awesome. >> He's just a delight to have around, 'cause he's very perceptive and works extremely hard. And we're certainly glad we kept him away from the likes of North Carolina and the rest of those schools. For us to be able to keep Bronson in the state and playing for the Badgers, I know he's happy and I know we're very happy. >> It feels great whenever I hear my name and everybody starts clapping. >> In for the Badgers, Bronson Koenig. >> For Bronson his choice to play Badger basketball came down to this. >> My dad is German, Mom is Native American. The main reason I chose Wisconsin is so my family and all the Native Americans, all the Ho-Chunks from Wisconsin could come watch me play. >> We're one of the oldest families in the tribe, and one of the largest. We still follow our traditional ways. There's a lot of Native Americans that do not make it off their reservations. Just to see him succeed and play on national television, and take the steps that he needs to go where he wants to go. >> Ho-Chunk tribal president, Jon Greendeer, had this to say, "Bronson is lighting our Nation up! He really is an inspiration for our youth, but whether or not he knows, us old washed up athletes see everything we ever aspired to be in his profound abilities. If there's anywhere Indian Country needs a boost or someone to look for to embody the benefits of good health and athleticism, Bronson's the guy." >> That means a lot, coming from him especially. I just try to be the best role model I can be to all Native Americans, especially Native American kids. >> That makes me feel good. It makes me feel good. >> Bronson is an internet hit among Native Americans across the country. >> They contact me over, you know, social media and stuff like that. So it's great having that support system. >> They're just as excited as I am, as one of their own. And he's succeeding. >> As you guys know, I'm Bronson, Bronson Koenig. >> Bronson is also eager to give back using basketball to inspire at risk kids. >> I always looked up to people who played basketball at higher levels than I did so I just like to give them any kind of words of encouragement. >> With stars in their eyes these kids look up to Bronson, and he gives them some sound advice when they asked about playing in the NBA.
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>> Um, well, I'm not really sure. Hopefully, I get my education first. Yeah, hopefully I get my degree. Hopefully, playing professional basketball. >> I know his dream is, like probably everybody else, the NBA. And I hope he gets to go where he wants to go. >> It was so surreal. I mean, he went from-- His senior year he won the state championship, and the next year he's in the Final 4 as a Freshman at Wisconsin. >> Sometimes I just have to take a step back and kind of realize what I'm going through, and just appreciate everything that has come my way so far.
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