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WSU's Donlon uses 'balance' with criticism

Whenever possible, Raiders coach tempers criticism with praise.

Preview: Wright State vs. Green Bay

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By Kyle Nagel, Staff Writer Updated 12:56 AM Friday, February 10, 2012

FAIRBORN — Early in last Saturday’s basketball game against Valparaiso, Wright State freshman guard Reggie Arceneaux produced coach Billy Donlon’s greatest taboo, a turnover.

But as a nod to the move before the turnover, Donlon called out to Arceneaux from the bench, “You made a great play. Great play.”

Throughout the Raiders’  63-54 loss to Valparaiso that dropped them into seventh place in the Horizon League, Donlon used his usual balancing act of criticism and praise, necessary with a team including four available freshmen and four sophomores. Entering tonight’s ESPNU-televised home matchup against eighth-place Wisconsin-Green Bay, Donlon acknowledged he has been more balanced with his current team.

“I try to be very consistent on both ends of the court with what I’m positive and what I’m negative about,” Donlon said.

On the other hand, the Raiders have plenty of freedom on offense. With a scoring offense that ranks 10th-worst out of 338 Division I teams, Donlon hopes to create an atmosphere of aggressiveness by often calling out to players who missed shots that were still good shots to take.

“He has no limit for what he wants us to do,” said Arceneaux, whose 8.7-point scoring average is second-best on the team behind 14.4 points per game from junior guard Julius Mays. “If you’re just jacking shots, outrageous shots, of course he’ll point out that you need to change that. Other than that, he wants you to shoot.”

For most of the season, WSU has searched for consistent contributors behind Mays, who leads the Horizon League in scoring in conference games, at 16.9 points. Donlon praises aggressiveness, including several missed layups by sophomore forward Cole Darling in a loss against Butler last week.

“I told him, ‘Those are good shots, you’re gonna make them,’ ” Donlon said. “That player can get frustrated, so I try to help.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Today’s game:

Who: Wisconsin-Green Bay (9-13, 5-7) at Wright State (11-14, 6-7)

When: 9 p.m.

TV: ESPNU

Radio: WBZI-FM (100.3), Info 1660 AM

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