The last 24 hours have been heartbreaking for the Indiana Hoosiers program. Being excluded from the NCAA Tournament was somewhat expected, yet still surprising. What truly shocked the college basketball world, however, was who made it in over them. For Indiana, not making the tournament and declining the invite to the NIT marks the end of the Mike Woodson era.
Woodson recently admitted that he felt he had made the decision to step down too early in the season. He was visibly emotional after the Hoosiers’ final game played at Assembly Hall. With the season now over, the head coaching search is set to intensify.
Brad Brownell and Ben McCollum are believed to be the two frontrunners, but a wildcard candidate has emerged: McNeese State’s Will Wade. Although Wade is currently preparing his team for a March Madness run, this will likely be the final week of their season.
Wade is also considered the favorite in the North Carolina State head coaching search. Despite a dispute at LSU, Wade has proved himself once again. In just two years, he has led McNeese State to the NCAA Tournament. Prior to McNeese, Wade elevated LSU to great heights.
“From 2018-22, LSU went 105-51 and reached the NCAA Tournament three times, earning No. 3, 8, and 6 seeds. The Tigers haven’t made the NCAA Tournament in three seasons since Wade left,” Jack Ankony wrote.
Wade is a proven winner no matter where he coaches, and he’s also an excellent recruiter, which is crucial considering Indiana’s strong NIL presence in college basketball. With the end of the Woodson era, new beginnings are on the horizon in Bloomington, and the Hoosiers have the potential to make a big splash, bringing excitement and hope for the future. The next few weeks will be critical for Indiana’s future trajectory
