Mikovio wrote:Another big difference between Ford and Wardle is that the Horizon is stronger during Wardle's time than the MAC was during Ford's time. So Wardle was winning in a tougher league only about a half step behind the MVC.
Horizon RPI finishes w/ Wardle
2015 16
2014 14
2013 12
2012 14
2011 11
Avgt 13.4
MAC RPI finishes w/ Ford
2011 20
2010 16
2009 21
Avg 19.0
I love hearing this reactionary crap about how Wardle is too "Ford like." Oh the last coach had a great resume and failed; better not hire another coach with head coaching experience, COY awards and a lot of wins! We've learned our lesson with great resumes! I'm glad Reynolds didn't buy into that. True he stumbled in the conference tournament and didn't make the NCAAs. Of course if he didn't he probably would be going higher than Bradley.
Probably the biggest positive for Wardle is his recruiting ties, especially to the Fire from which Josh Cunningham and Xzavier Taylor hail. If he can keep them (and Thomas) from bolting that would convince me right now Reynolds made the right decision.
I think the fanbase is jaded and isn't going to get overly excited about anyone until the wins start coming. We've had close to a decade of craptastic basketball, lost a lot of fan support, and all with BU spending near the top in the Valley on men's basketball. I think most Bradley fans would agree that this is a solid hire. Many felt Geno was a solid hire, and you can't deny they have similar backgrounds. It doesn't mean Wardle isn't the right guy, just that people are cautiously optimistic right now.