Midwestern Collegiate Conference report

SportsLine.com Report
April 10, 2000

Beating Michigan State on Dec. 30 put Wright State on the map as potential recruits undoubtedly took note. At the Final Four, Raiders coach Ed Schilling could walk with an extra hop in his step. "It was like we played one game all year and went 1-0," he said.

Overall, it was just another losing season, third in a row under Schilling. But the future does appear bright. This was the year the Raiders began to dominate (11-3) at home, which helped make up for the fact that they couldn't buy a win (0-14) away from the Ervin J. Nutter Center's friendly confines.

It was also a year in which two Wright State players, center Israel Sheinfeld and forward Kevin Melson, were named first team all-conference. Both are scheduled to return.

A glance at 2001

Wright State looks forward to next season with great anticipation. All of the Raiders' key players return and will be joined by two guards who sat out last season but should be instant big-time contributors. It will be a key season for Schilling, entering the fourth year of a five-year contract and still without a winning season. The Raiders also look forward to hosting the league tournament and like their chances in front of the home crowd.

The Coach

Ed Schilling arrived at Wright State with visions of instant glory only to discover how difficult it is to build a mid-level Division I program at a school still looking for its place on the basketball map. A contract extension could depend on how season No. 4 goes. The faithful (WSU led the MCC in home attendance) are supportive but getting restless.

Who'll Be Back

Melson and Sheinfeld head a list of five returning starters. Even the first two players off the bench, guard Tyson Freeman and 7-foot center Bruno Petersons, are expected back.

Who's Gone

Wright State loses just one player, backup guard Steve Yeagle, to graduation. Another player, forward John Watkins, announced his intention to transfer after seeing limited time as a freshman.