Win, and ideally win big. This is the one and only objective of Mike Woodson has Indianaher alma mater where he played between 1976 and 1980. I’m here to win Big Ten conference titles, and a national title. That’s all that interests me “, for example, declared “Woody” during the Big Ten’s “Media Day” last year.
A year later, the coach with 25 seasons in the NBA, who is preparing to start his third campaign at the head of the Hoosiers, then notes that he has still not achieved his objectives, which obviously remain unchanged.
“ I took this job to win Big Ten titles and national titles, and the last two years I haven’t been able to do that. », Mike Woodson repeated last week, still at the Big Ten’s “Media Day”. “ So nothing changes this season. We have to win a Big Ten title. Then once in the NCAA tournament, if we have the chance to access it, it will be one day after another. »
The clock is ticking for Mike Woodson
Mike Woodson’s expectations for the Hoosiers therefore remain unchanged, namely consistent. But why voluntarily put such pressure on yourself, when his first two seasons were particularly successful, to the point of being rewarded with a bonus by his management? Because the clock is ticking for the former Knicks coach.
“ I don’t want to wait, I don’t have much time left “, adds the 65-year-old coach. “ I want to win everything this season. For my part, there is always a sense of urgency. I want to win now. […] I like competition and challenges. It’s in my nature. In our field, we cannot be afraid of challenges. »
To try to unlock his title count, Mike Woodson will rely this season on a somewhat remodeled squad: Jalen Hood-Schifino (Lakers) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (Warriors) are in the NBA, but “freshman” Mackenzie Mgbako, formerly committed to Duke, and the “sophomore” Kel’el Ware, “freshman” at Oregon, arrive as reinforcements in a squad that is still solid and experienced, thanks in particular to the returns of veteran guards Xavier Johnson (6th season) and Trey Galloway (4th season).
“ The last two seasons, we qualified for the NCAA tournament but we had a hold. It’s my fault. Now I have to find a way to get them over the hump », concludes the coach of the legendary program with five titles. “ I’m the coach, it’s my responsibility to put them in a position to hang a new banner from the ceiling. It’s the only thing I think about, all the time. »
