Ranking the MVC HCs

[BEARZ77]

It's not an either/or question; Wardle has done the same thing at both Green Bay and Bradley in that by the 3rd year he had his program competing at the upper level of the conference. To me that's the bench mark indicator on whether he's a good coach. In one respect he got robbed last year on enhancing his resume as we won't ever know whether Bradley could have won a game or two in the NCAA. But at the same time, winning conference championships and winning multiple NCAA games are that next bench mark for another level. So now he has to show he can do those things to move another notch up. Both of those measures require a different aspect of coaching proficiency . It's probably not fair to most coaches to put too much on this coming year,as atypical challenges could result in a number of ways, yet , some will find ways to adjust that others fall short in . It'll be really interesting to see what all the season holds from that aspect.

[goramblers2011]

Agreed with what is being said. Wardle has proven to be a hell of a coach and has restored Bradley to what it should be. I think his lack of regular season championships and tournament wins puts him just a notch below Jake/Porter, but I would not be at all surprised if he checks one or both of those boxes in the next 2-3 years...and hopefully stays at Bradley to do it, for the good of the MVC.

[sivert]

I agree and Bradley gave Michigan State a good game a year and a half ago.

[Majik45]

I agree and Bradley gave Michigan State a good game a year and a half ago.

If Michigan State didn't make 25 of 26 free throws that day (They made their first 20 in a row and didn't miss the one until 1 minute left in the game), we may be having a different conversation about him. Such a good performance by Bradley that day, and such a fun game to attend in person.

[squirrel]

Having a team get hot for 3 days the first weekend of March doesn't make you a great coach.

Wasn't it just like 4 years ago or so Cal Poly got hot and won the auto big for Big West at something like 14-16?

Just 2 years ago SDSU went through Horizon play at something like 13-1 and then lost to the worst team, by far, in the Summer WIU (who had a NET of like 330+) in the first round of the conference tournament. Does that mean WIU was the better team and had a better coach?

^ This is why I posted the last 30+ game numbers for Bradley and those numbers being better than both UNI and Loyola.

It's not just getting hot for a weekend.

[squirrel]

It's not an either/or question; Wardle has done the same thing at both Green Bay and Bradley in that by the 3rd year he had his program competing at the upper level of the conference. To me that's the bench mark indicator on whether he's a good coach. In one respect he got robbed last year on enhancing his resume as we won't ever know whether Bradley could have won a game or two in the NCAA. But at the same time, winning conference championships and winning multiple NCAA games are that next bench mark for another level. So now he has to show he can do those things to move another notch up. Both of those measures require a different aspect of coaching proficiency . It's probably not fair to most coaches to put too much on this coming year,as atypical challenges could result in a number of ways, yet , some will find ways to adjust that others fall short in . It'll be really interesting to see what all the season holds from that aspect.

Exactly. I actually think a cluster*(&* benefits Wardle, too. Wardle has done things not seen at Bradley in decades. . .first "top 3" league finish since 2001. . .first Valley tournament win in St. Louis (twice). . .first holiday tournament title in 50+ years. First back-to-back NCAAs in the 64-team era.

The sad reality is that outside of 2006 and 2007, Bradley has basically been on a perpetual play-in level with Drake and Evansville most of this century, and what Wardle has done to turn that around deserves a lot more than the "hot for a weekend" nonsense.

[Jsnhbe1Birds]

It's not just getting hot for a weekend.

Yeah, all those NCAA's since the final four are sure adding up. Bottom line is in college basketball you arent very successful unless you get to the dance. NIT's and less arent doing it. 20 win seasons in the MVC are crap. You need 27 win seasons in the MVC unless you play great in St. Louis.

[Blers]

Yeah I feel like this thread took a weird turn into "is being the third best coach in the league bad?"

Hahahaha, I don't think anyone was saying he's a bad coach, he's done a stellar job resurrecting the program. I do think the way he handled the tournament birth with the press will forever leave a sour taste in some people's mouths, mine admittedly included.

I'm actually curious given his track record though if he'll be on Marquettes shortlist should they move on from Wojo (given he's an alum).

[BuBrave2006]

Actually curious given his track record though if he'll be on Marquettes shortlist should they move on from Wojo (given he's an alum).

Not until he either:

1. Wins an NCAA Tournament game or
2. Gets a MVC regular season championship.

I hope that both of those things happen in the near future, but until they do, Marquette will certainly still keep an eye on him, but would continue to look elsewhere.

[Majik45]

Wardle on Chris Rothstein's up and coming coaches list:

https://collegehoopstoday.com/index.php ... 21-season/