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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.

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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.”

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Butler is in a league of their own. They had all new players last year and ran the tables. They're almost guaranteed to make the tourney without having to win the league. They are also known to choke in the tournament, which makes the Horizon League get two spots in the tournament. A-10, hate to burst their bubble, but only Xavier has been a regular tourney appearance (UD only once in the last 5 years). Both leagues are usually good for 2 teams a year.

FreeWind
3:29 PM, 10/20/2009

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Milwaukee, Cleveland State, and Detroit realistically could be better than WSU too. It doesnt mean they will be but they are talented.

Ron
9:48 AM, 10/19/2009

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Flyer dude, you're right, the Horizon isn't the A10, the Horizon is better and have come to grips that they are a mid major instead of living in the fantasy land that the A10 does.

WSU ATC
2:08 PM, 10/18/2009

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Well I got to admit that the Raiders might have a good stone throw's chance this year. I might even come out an watch them place once or twice this year. Especially when Butler comes to town. That conference is still not the Atlantic 10 though.

Flyer Dude
8:24 PM, 10/17/2009

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I think this is going to be a good year for the Raiders looking at their experience. The only team I can see better than them in the Horizon realistically is Butler. Should be a great year of basketball for the city of Dayton!

NCRaiderfan
1:38 PM, 10/16/2009

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