Men's Basketball Preview - Part 6: Wright State
Oct. 25, 2005
As the 36th season opens on the Raider Basketball Program, there are more new faces on the roster than familiar ones. But it will be the blending that will tell us exactly how the season will end. After two straight .500 seasons in his first two seasons at Wright State, head coach Paul Biancardi will be looking for something a little more.
The more familiar ones will be guard DaShaun Wood who led the Raider last year in scoring and assists while placing second in rebounding. For his accomplishments, he was named to the Horizon League's second team. The 5-11 point guard will be a junior this year and has started over 50 games halfway through his collegiate career.
Also back for his junior season will be Drew Burleson. After sitting out his first year with ankle surgery, this will actually be his fourth year in college. The 6-5 forward has knocked down some big shots while playing a scrappy style inside. He has also started over 50 games just halfway through his career.
"These guys have progressed well and have understood what we're trying accomplish," WSU head coach Paul Biancardi said. "They have played well together, worked hard on and off the court and smart which gives us an opportunity to win. It's important to have leaders like this to teach the younger players the commitment it takes to win at this level."
Everett Spencer, a freshman starter last year, returns this year continued to improve as the season progressed while gaining valuable experience. The 6-6 Columbus, OH native used his athleticism in spots.
Returners also include the team's lone senior in Jaron Taylor, a 6-1 guard from Baltimore, who used some ball handling and three point shooting to help the Raiders last year. Jordan Pleiman, a 6-9 Dayton-area native, came on strong during the conference portion of the season and will battle for a starting role this year in the middle. Parish Munroe, a 6-7 forward from the Bahamas still learning the nuances of the game, has worked hard in the off season to improve.
For the second straight year, the Raiders will have more new players than returning players though, leaving the team with some learning. It is also a mix of junior college players, redshirt players and true freshmen that will enable Biancardi to "even out" his classes for the first since coming to WSU over two years ago.
"We have seven players that have not played major college basketball but I have been happy with their progress and have they have taken to our system and the other players," Biancardi said. "They will have to contribute for us to have success. You may not see it points or rebounds but their contributions will be there in many forms."
The newcomers number seven this year but only two have not played on the collegiate level or practiced with the Raiders last year. Junior college transfers like Tyrone Scott, Walter Chancellor and Scottie Wilson look to make their Raider mark while freshmen Will Graham, Robert Eldridge and James Craft will be ready. Reinaldo Smith, a local walkon transfer rounds out the squad. This makes it one of the deepest WSU rosters in years with a mix of experience and inexperience.
The schedule proves to be tough as well. Road games include four of the top teams from the Mid-American Conference, Belmont with two transfers from Tennessee and the always difficult Horizon League slate which has sent Butler and UW-Milwaukee to the Sweet 16 over the past three years. UWM will be the favorite to repeat this season but Detroit is predicted to be nipping on their heals as well as vastly-improved Loyola. The Raiders were picked fourth by the media but also were chosen third by many preseason publications.
"I am not hung up on preseason predictions because it is so much more important how you finish the year," Biancardi said. "Our program has made great progress on and off the court and that's what is important. We hope to continue that progress this year."
The Raiders open the season November 19 at Belmont and November 23 at Toledo before coming home to host Ball State November 26.
Story provided by Wright State University Office of Sports Information
