The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Wright State seniors appreciate basketball program

Three of the four transferred to WSU

Wright State senior Cory Cooperwood talks about the upcoming basketball season on Thursday, Oct. 15, during men's basketball media day at the Setzer Pavilion.

Staff photo by Teesha McClam Wright State senior Cory Cooperwood talks about the upcoming basketball season on Thursday, Oct. 15, during men's basketball media day at the Setzer Pavilion.

ENLARGE PHOTO

By Kyle Nagel, Staff Writer 12:02 AM Friday, October 16, 2009

FAIRBORN — Cory Cooperwood arrived at Wright State University last season from Wallace State Community College in Alabama.

Despite his two years of experience in college basketball, there was some adjustment for the 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward.

“Last year, I really didn’t know what I was getting into,” Cooperwood said Thursday, Oct. 15, at media day. “I was nervous, but now it’s been over a year, and I need to help be a leader.”

The Raiders, in their four seniors, have one of the more interesting leadership groups around. Of the seniors, only Todd Brown has been with the program all four years. The others — Ronnie Thomas (Duquesne), John David Gardner (North  Carolina-Wilmington) and Cooperwood — all transferred in to the program, making it a class that understands the benefits of a comfortable fit.

“Several of them came from situations they didn’t feel were as good,” WSU coach Brad Brownell said. “Now there’s a great appreciation for what we do here, how we do things and the overall pride in our program.”

They’re also key contributors. The four started a combined 105 games last season and combined for 33.8 points and 15.3 rebounds per game.

“Everybody knows each other by now,” Brown said. “We hang out together, so we really know each other. Plus, no matter where we’ve been, we have experience.”

Share this article