Biancardi Named WSU Head Basketball Coach – Ohio State Buckeyes
4/4/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
April 4, 2003
Paul Biancardi, associate head coach at The Ohio State University, has agreed in principle to become the head men’s basketball coach at Wright State University, WSU Director of Athletics Dr. Michael Cusack announced today.
Upon his return from the Final Four in New Orleans, Biancardi will be introduced to the media at a press conference Tuesday, April 8 at 11 am in the Ervin J. Nutter Center’s Berry Room. He will then be introduced at a reception for faculty, staff and fans at 2 pm, also in the Berry Room.
Biancardi, the sixth man to take the helm in the history of the WSU basketball program, comes to Wright State after six years at OSU and seven years as the assistant coach at Boston College, all under current Buckeye head coach Jim O’Brien. Recognized nationally, Biancardi was named the No. 1 assistant coach in the country by Hoop Scoop Online.
“Paul emerged from a terrific pool of applicants,” Cusack said. “His coaching experience at two outstanding institutions and working under one of the most respected coaches in the country made him a front runner. His personal characteristics, his vision and the high regard he commanded from coaches throughout the state set him apart. We are very excited and proud to have Paul become a member of the Raider family.”
Under O’Brien, the 40-year-old Boston native held numerous court coaching responsibilities emphasizing practice planning, game plan strategies and directing frontcourt players in skill development as well as acting as the recruiting coordinator.
Established as one of the nation’s best recruiters, Biancardi was instrumental in attaining several highly rated recruiting classes. Ohio State’s first class of the O’Brien era ranked as high as 20th nationally and the 2002 class was ranked 10th by Hoop Scoop Magazine and 15th by Van Coleman’s Future Stars Magazine. “I receive the news of Paul Biancardi’s hiring at Wright State with mixed emotions,” O’Brien said. “On one hand, I am thrilled with the opportunity afforded to Paul–one he has worked very hard for and one he so richly deserves. On the other hand, I am saddened with the departure of someone who has been so loyal and who has worked so hard toward the success of our programs both here at Ohio State and at Boston College.”
His hard work has paid off as seen in Boston College’s three NCAA Tournament runs in O’Brien’s last four years and five post-season appearances over six years, including the Elite Eight in 1994 and the Big East Championship in 1997. At Ohio State, the Buckeyes advanced to post-season play the last five years, including the 1999 Final Four.
Prior to Boston College, he was an assistant coach at Boston University, Suffolk University and Salem State. BU reached the NCAA Tournament by capturing the conference title during his stay. Biancardi also served as head coach for three summers for the U.S. People to People Sports Committee all-star team against some of the best international players.
Biancardi is a 1985 graduate of Salem State with a degree in physical education. He was a four-year basketball letterman and team captain as a senior when he was awarded the James Twohig Award for outstanding contributions, character and sportsmanship.
Recently, he was inducted into the Pope John XXIII High School Athletics Hall of Fame. Biancardi taught in the Boston Public School system for four years while coaching at Suffolk, Salem and BU. His resume includes serving on the advisory board to the Kids Funds, a Boston City Hospital-based organization and recognition by the Boston City Council and East Boston Athletic Board for his community contributions and professional successes.
Born August 11, 1962, Biancardi and his wife, Theresa, have two daughters, Katerina Elise and Alyssa Marie.
Biancardi replaces Ed Schilling who was released after posting a 75-93 record over six seasons. The Raiders were 10-18 in 2002-03 and placed sixth in the Horizon League.
Biancardi under O’Brien 1990-91 Boston College 11-19 1991-92 Boston College 17-14 NIT (2nd round) 1992-93 Boston College 18-13 NIT (3rd round) 1993-94 Boston College 23-11 NCAA Regional Finals 1994-95 Boston College 9-19 1995-96 Boston College 19-11 NCAA (2nd round) 1996-97 Boston College 22-9 NCAA (2nd round) 1997-98 Ohio State 8-22 1998-99 Ohio State 27-9 NCAA Final Four 1999-00 Ohio State 23-7 NCAA (2nd round) 2000-01 Ohio State 20-11 NCAA (1st round) 2001-02 Ohio State 24-8 NCAA (2nd round) 2002-03 Ohio State 17-15 NIT (1st round) 13 seasons 238-168
