On the Wright Path

Even if it's your brother, you wouldn't think asking the opposing coach for a favor on the night of the sectional championship game would be the best idea. Faced with this situation last season, Ben Davis boys basketball coach Curtis Wright not only asked a favor of his older brother, Pike boys basketball coach Billy Wright, he got was he was looking for. Billy wasn't sure if Curtis would appreciate his sharing of the story, but wanted to tell it like it was: "I was sitting there watching game tape right before we were about to board the bus, and he came over to borrow my cufflinks - just like a little brother would." Curtis couldn't help but laugh now, and give a somewhat sarcastic explanation for an otherwise true sentiment toward his brother. "As an older brother, he's always done an exceptional job of providing any and all resources that I've ever needed," says Curtis. "I had just gotten a new shirt and unfortunately I didn't realize that new shirt required cufflinks, so I called the person I always call whenever I need something and he came through like always. It's a good thing I didn't have to borrow any of his underwear, shoes, T-shirts or anything else I had to borrow when we were little." When they were little, the Wrights grew up in Richmond part of a strong family that included Stacy, the eldest sibling, and Jamar, the youngest. Basketball was like another family member in the Wright household, as Billy set a standard that included a place on Richmond's first state championship team in 1992, the honor of being an Indiana All-Star and receiving the prestigious John Wooden Citizenship Award. Seems like cufflinks are a small favor for Curtis to ask after having to follow in those footsteps. When Billy went off to Bradley University, where he was named Missouri Valley All-Conference in 1996 during a year in which the team made the NCAA tournament, Curtis, five years younger, was back home in Richmond trying to become something other than "Billy's little brother." He did quite well for himself, becoming a four-year letter winner, team captain and school record holder before playing ball at Earlham College. "I can't imagine what that felt like," says Billy, talking about being in a sibling's shadow, "so I definitely respect the fact that he was able to make a name for himself and see where he's at now." For Curtis, it was simply a matter of looking up to someone who was able to set such an admirable example, both on and off the court. "From my perspective as the younger brother, I often times tried to learn as much as I could from older siblings," Curtis says, "I learned what to do, and more importantly, learned what not to do to upset our parents. I had an older sister and an older brother to look after the best interest of myself and my younger brother - the model and standard Billy set for me athletically was one that myself, my younger brother and all of our friends in the neighborhood wanted to be." Although the pair both had their first seasons as head coaches last year, they each followed different paths to their current positions. Billy actually spent time as an assistant to Hall of Fame coach Steve Witty at Ben Davis before joining the staff of another Hall of Fame coach, Larry Bullington at Pike. In all, Billy notched 10 seasons as an assistant before getting the head job. Curtis, on the other hand, spent just two years as an assistant at Ben Davis before becoming head coach. He also had one year in Pike Township at the middle school. So when the Wrights finally had their chance to lead their teams against each other last season, emotions were understandably running high. In fact, it was such an experience that Curtis called it a blur. "First time out, things were so fast," he says as he recalls the evening of Dec. 1, 2006. "It seemed as if the night was over before it even began - literally speaking on the scoreboard. Nonetheless, that very first game was a wonderful experience. I have had the privilege of being blessed with the game of basketball and with an older brother who has opened so many doors for me." Not that anybody is counting, but Billy does hold a 3-0 mark against his younger brother as the two opened this season against each other on Nov. 30. Billy expects 50-plus family members to bring the caravan from Richmond once again, just like their first time pitted against each other a season ago. "We had over 50 family members drive up from Richmond," Billy remembers. "They all had the T-shirts and they were definitely sitting right in the middle. One thing I'll always take from last year was the family's support and involvement right from the beginning." Of course, the brothers do have their differences as well. Their coaching philosophies aren't exactly the same, and each has their way of approaching things. But no matter what the differences are, there will always be common ground when the two exchange pleasantries before tip-off. Much of that comes from their father, William, whom Billy and Curtis both pattern their ways after. Each is using values and lessons learned from Dad in their basketball programs today, which will likely never change as long as they're head coaches. "Dad ran a tight ship," says Billy. "It was good. More kids need that."