The Highs and Lows: A Comprehensive Timeline of Mike Woodson’s Indiana Basketball Tenure
Mike Woodson’s tenure as the head coach of Indiana University’s men’s basketball team has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. From his introductory press conference to the present day, Woodson has navigated the complexities of leading a storied program with a passionate fan base. In this timeline, we’ll explore the key moments, decisions, and events that have defined Woodson’s time in Bloomington.
March 2021: Woodson’s Hiring
Indiana University announces the hiring of Mike Woodson as the new head coach of the men’s basketball team. Woodson, a former IU player and assistant coach, returns to his alma mater with a wealth of experience, including stints as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks.
April 2021: Staff Assembly
Woodson begins assembling his coaching staff, hiring former IU player and assistant coach Kenya Hunter as his associate head coach. The move is seen as a nod to Woodson’s commitment to maintaining strong ties to the program’s past.
November 2021: Season Opener
The Woodson era officially begins with a 100-72 win over Eastern Michigan in the season opener. The Hoosiers would go on to finish the season with a 21-14 record, including a 9-11 mark in Big Ten play.
February 2022: Upset Win over Purdue
Indiana notches a significant upset win over No. 5 Purdue, 68-65, at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The victory marks a high point in Woodson’s first season and provides a glimpse into the team’s potential.
March 2022: Postseason Disappointment
The Hoosiers’ season comes to a close with a 82-53 loss to Saint Mary’s in the First Four round of the NCAA Tournament. Despite the disappointing finish, Woodson’s first season is viewed as a moderate success.
April 2022: Recruiting Coup
Woodson lands a major recruiting coup with the commitment of five-star forward Malik Reneau. The signing is seen as a significant boost to the program’s momentum.
November 2022: Season Opener
The Hoosiers open the 2022-23 season with a 88-53 win over Morehead State. However, the team would struggle to find consistency, finishing the season with a 23-12 record, including a 12-8 mark in Big Ten play.
February 2023: Controversy Surrounds Woodson’s Comments
Woodson sparks controversy with comments suggesting that some players were not giving maximum effort. The remarks lead to a media firestorm and raise questions about Woodson’s leadership style.
March 2023: NCAA Tournament Exit
Indiana’s season comes to a close with a 78-65 loss to Miami in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The defeat marks a disappointing finish to a season that began with high expectations.
As Woodson navigates the challenges of his third season, he faces increased pressure to deliver results. With a talented but inconsistent roster, Woodson must find a way to unlock the team’s full potential and restore the program to its former glory. The highs and lows of Woodson’s tenure serve as a reminder that success in college basketball is fleeting and that even the most experienced coaches must adapt to survive.
