Mike Woodson Reflects on First Season, Explains Outlook on Transfer Portal, NIL

When Mike Woodson first met along with his gamers within the spring of 2021, he requested them who was on board for the next season. Nobody raised their hand. 

So the 25-year NBA teaching veteran went straight to the highest, to Trayce Jackson-Davis, his All-American large man and the chief of the Hoosiers. After a gathering the place Woodson confirmed Jackson-Davis how he can enhance his NBA Draft inventory, Jackson-Davis was on board for his junior season. Most of his teammates fell in line, too. 

Indiana gained 21 video games throughout Woodson’s first season, together with the Hoosiers’ first journey to the NCAA Match since 2016. They made a run within the Massive Ten Match to sneak into the First 4, the place they defeated Wyoming 66-58. The season ended with a 29-point loss to Saint Mary’s within the spherical of 64, however for Woodson – contemplating the place issues stood after his first assembly with the group – it was a very good season. 

“I assumed it was a profitable run making the match, so I used to be very happy,” Woodson mentioned. “I thanked them and informed them how a lot I beloved them, and now we have got to get higher. That is the secret whenever you’re teaching.”

Now, Woodson goes by way of his first offseason as a school basketball coach. He is secured a top-10 recruiting class, he is studying the adjustments that the switch portal and NIL cash have introduced to school basketball, and most of all, he is ready on a choice. 

“I believe the large query now could be, is Trayce Jackson-Davis going to return again?” Woodson mentioned. “I am hoping like hell he comes again as a result of he is an enormous piece to the puzzle.”

Jackson-Davis has till June 1 to resolve if he’ll pursue an NBA profession or return to Indiana for his senior 12 months. The All-American ahead led Indiana in factors, rebounds and blocked pictures final 12 months, and he’d be a well-liked candidate for the 2022-2023 Massive Ten Preseason Participant of the 12 months. 

But when Jackson-Davis would not return, Woodson plans to observe the longtime sports activities cliché of “subsequent man up.” Race Thompson is returning for his sixth 12 months of school, and Indiana has a pair of younger forwards in Logan Duncomb and Malik Reneau, who Woodson mentioned must develop into their our bodies and mature rapidly. Jordan Geronimo can also be returning for his junior season. 

“We have got sufficient expertise round Trayce if he would not come again,” Woodson mentioned. “These guys have gotten to step up and play. I’ve obtained to teach ’em up.” 

Since making the transition from the NBA to school, Woodson has loved having extra time to show and put together. Within the NBA, taking part in three or 4 video games per week would not permit for as a lot preparation or educating moments, which he has emphasised at Indiana. 

“Within the faculty sport, that is the wonder about it,” Woodson mentioned. “I really like to show, and I put a very good workers round me to assist me with my preparation, which I really like doing that as nicely. Placing the sport plan collectively and hoping the gamers can execute and in the event that they do, extra doubtless you win the ball sport.”

By now, it has been over a 12 months since Woodson was named the pinnacle coach at Indiana, and faculty basketball has already skilled wholesale adjustments. Extra gamers than ever have entered the switch portal, and pupil athletes can now revenue off their title, picture and likeness.

Woodson mentioned the switch portal adjustments the sport, and each season it is potential to have a disgruntled participant that desires to depart this system. Final season, Woodson added Xavier Johnson, Miller Kopp and Michael Durr to his group by way of the switch portal. And following his first season, Rob Phinisee, Khristian Lander, Parker Stewart and Durr entered the switch portal.

“I inform the gamers, ‘For those who do not wish to play for us, then you definately depart and I will discover me any individual that may like to play and put on that uniform,’” Woodson mentioned.

As for the adjustments NIL has introduced, Woodson mentioned he’s blissful for gamers that may earn cash, and he’s not towards gamers getting paid, however he’s towards gamers that strictly use the game to receives a commission. 

“You come to school to get an schooling and play basketball if that is the game you select,” Woodson mentioned. “That, to me, is at the beginning. So if you happen to suppose some other method, I do not need you on our ball membership. You may go some other place and do your factor in that regard.”

Teaching at Indiana has additionally been a homecoming for Woodson, who has had the possibility to see his former coach Bob Knight at instances all year long. Woodson considers Knight the best faculty basketball coach of all time, and he feels blessed to have performed for Knight. Woodson has tried to take bits and items of recommendation from Knight, somebody Woodson is aware of will all the time be there in coronary heart and spirit.

“If I can accomplish half the issues [Knight] has completed in his time at Indiana, boy, I will be a contented man,” Woodson mentioned. “My clock is ticking. I’ve obtained to do it awfully quick.”

Tales associated to Indiana basketball:

• JACKSON-DAVIS UNABLE TO COMPETE AT COMBINE: Indiana star large man Trayce Jackson-Davis was invited to the NBA Draft Mix, however he examined constructive for COVID-19 and missed varied occasions on the mix. Jackson-Davis has till June 1 to resolve if he’ll go professional or return to Indiana. CLICK HERE
• JACKSON-DAVIS NOT SELECTED IN MOCK DRAFTS: The NBA lottery was on Tuesday, revealing the entire order for the 2022 NBA Draft. Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis, who has till June 1 to resolve to remain within the draft or return to school, wasn’t projected to be drafted in a number of current mock drafts. CLICK HERE
• FORMER HOOSIER RAY PAVY DIES AT 80: Indiana Basketball Corridor of Fame Inductee, 1959 Indiana All-Star and Indiana Mr. Basketball runner-up Ray Pavy handed away on Monday at age 80. Pavy was a member of the 1960-1961 Indiana Hoosiers basketball group coached by Department McCracken. CLICK HERE
• GREEN, NEWKIRK JOIN ASSEMBLY BALL: Former Indiana guards Devonte Inexperienced and Josh Newkirk are the primary alumni introduced to play for Meeting Ball in The Basketball Match. This 64-team match will start on July 16 with a $1 million prize for the successful group. CLICK HERE