WSU notes: Bradley coach Brian Wardle starts difficult season with sense of humor

Bradley basketball coach Brian Wardle knows how to take teasing. He took it from former Bradley coach Joe Stowell, who asked him if the Braves were going to make any shots this year for an ESPN-style “This is Bradley basketball” promotional video.

Stowell, who coached the Braves from 1965-78, isn’t the only one wondering. Wardle is starting the toughest rebuilding job in the nation, which frees him to appreciate a little black humor. When you start five freshmen — as Bradley did in last week’s exhibition game — expectations are low. His roster consists of 10 freshmen, a senior and a sophomore.

“I’ve got lots of stories,” he said. “I’ve got a gas station attendant told me to run better offense and make shots. I’ve got speaking engagements where they ask me if we practice layups in practice every day. They care and they’re passionate. It’s better than not having anyone care.”

Wardle’s job is to make them care for a winner.

Bradley last compiled a winning Missouri Valley Conference record (10-8) in 2009. Former coach Geno Ford went 46-86, 19-53 in the Valley, his his four seasons. Attendance at Carver Arena, formerly one of the Valley’s prime locales, dropped from an average of 9,110 in 2008-09 to last season’s 5,726.

Wardle, who went 95-65 in three seasons at Green Bay with the 2014 Horizon League title, came to Bradley to capitalize on the program’s history and support.

“Our fans are smart fans that love the game,” he said. “They know where we stand as a program and I think they’re going to be with us when they see how hard these guys play.”

The Braves defeated NCAA Division III Edgewood (Wis.) College 78-42 last week. They play their second exhibition game on Monday against NCAA Division II St. Joseph’s (Ind.) College.

Bradley freshman center Callum Barker scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Freshman guard Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye added 12 points. Senior guard Ka’Darryl Bell, the only returning Brave to play, played 21 minutes and scored seven points. Sophomore forward Donte Thomas did not play due to a violation of team rules.

Wardle realizes wins and losses can’t measure what his team accomplishes this season.

“I’m pretty patient, in ways,” he said. “We slow down and teach a little more. We really want to establish our identity. We want people to know what Bradley basketball is going to stand for in years to come.”

Defense is a big part of that identity. Last season, Green Bay finished second in the Horizon League by allowing 60.8 points a game and holding opponents to 40.5 percent shooting.

“We’re going to be a tough group that I think really understands the energy and effort it takes to defend and rebound in the Missouri Valley,” Wardle said. “Your defense has to outlast the offense. Especially in the Valley, where everybody defends so well.”

Inspiration from the 1980s — Hawaii Pacific coach Darren Vorderbruegge grew up in Wichita at a time when basketball peaked. He is a 1983 graduate of Southeast High, putting him right in the middle of a great City League era and exciting times for the Shockers.

When people ask him why he chose coaching, he reflects on those times. They are part of what made Saturday’s exhibition game against the Shockers so special.

“When you were growing up in the 1970s and 1980s in Wichita, you couldn’t help but be a basketball junkie,” he said. “Darnell Valentine and Antoine Carr. Cliff Levingston and Xavier McDaniel. I was going to Shocker games and seeing Larry Bird. I had the goal and dream of someday being at high school basketball coach. I couldn’t think of anything better.”

Vorderbruegge coached at Hoisington and Wichita Northwest before moving to small colleges. He spent six seasons as an assistant at Northwest Missouri State before taking the top job at Hawaii Pacific, in Honolulu, in 2006.

Twenty and more — WSU won its 20th volleyball game on Friday, giving coach Chris Lamb his 13th consecutive 20-win season.

Before Lamb arrived in 2000, WSU owned five 20-win seasons. After Friday’s win, he had 353 of WSU’s 695 wins in 40 seasons.

This story was originally published November 7, 2015 at 4:05 PM with the headline "WSU notes: Bradley coach Brian Wardle starts difficult season with sense of humor."