1970–71 Wright State Raiders men's basketball team

The 1970–71 Wright State Raiders men's basketball team represented Wright State University in the 1970–71 NCAA College Division men's basketball season. This was the inaugural varsity season, led by head coach John Ross. They played their home games at Stebbins High School in Riverside, Ohio.

Background
Wright State University was launched in the mid-1960s along with Cleveland State University to add additional public education opportunities in Ohio. Under the leadership of Dr. Brage Golding, It became an independent school in 1967, and by 1968 the school decided to launch an athletic department. Dr. Golding asked Don Mohr to lead this effort. Don Mohr later served as athletic director and baseball coach.

After launching one of the first varsity soccer teams in the area, Don Mohr turned his attention to basketball with the belief that varsity basketball would do the most to increase awareness of the new university. He hired John Ross as head basketball coach, who was a successful local high school basketball coach as well as a college scout. In 1969-70 Wright State competed as a junior varsity team, then in the following year Coach Ross led the team on its inaugural campaign. For this 70-71 campaign Coach Ross brought on long-time Wright State coach Jim Brown as his assistant.

These early teams, much like the young university, had a do-it-yourself blue-collar ethos. Without a history or tradition to live up to, the teams took great pride in setting a foundation and creating the standard for all who would follow. Laundry was do-it-yourself, meals were typically cold sandwiches after practices that were late at night when gym time was available. Scholarships were limited and travel was often by van. It was the beginning.

Roster
Sources

Schedule and results
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Sources