Courtesy of Bethune-Cookman Athletic Communications


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman head men's basketball coach Ryan Ridder was named to ESPN.com's "40 under 40" list of men's college basketball coaches.

The 35-year old Ridder was ranked 31st among the nation's head and assistant coaches who were 40 and under as of April 30, 2020. The list was compiled by ESPN college basketball writers Myron Medcalf, Jeff Borzello and John Gasaway.

View the list here.

"I'm very humbled to be included in such a big time list. This speaks volumes about our administration, staff and most importantly the players," said Ridder, who completed his third season at BCU with a 16-14 record. "I'm excited that our program is being recognized and that we can continue to perform at a high level."

Ridder, 48-45 overall and 31-17 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play, has guided the Wildcats to two winning seasons. He was chosen as the recipient of the Joe B. Hall Award, which is bestowed to the top first year Division I Head Coach, in 2017-18 after leading the Wildcats to their first MEAC regular season championship since 2011.

"Now the rest of the country recognizes what we have known since we hired him! Ryan Ridder is one of the best basketball coaches in America at any level," B-CU Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletice Lynn W. Thompson said. "He has the talent, passion,  and most importantly the character to mold our Wildcats into great leaders. We are proud to have him leading our basketball program on and off the court and celebrate this moment with him and his family."