Arrived in the NBA as an assistant in 1996 with the Bucks, Mike Woodson went around the question, he who then went through Cleveland (1999-2001), Philadelphia (2001-20003), Detroit (2003-2004) then was the main coach at the Hawks from 2004 to 2010 and at the Knicks (2012 -2014), where he returned as an assistant between 2018 and 2021.
The technician then jumped at the chance to join his alma mater, the Indiana Hoosiers, for whom he played from 1976 to 1980, with the key to a six-year contract for three million dollars a year (excluding bonuses) .
Two years and a record of 44 wins and 26 losses later, the Hoosiers have drawn a more than satisfactory record of Mike Woodson’s tenure as head of the university team with two consecutive campaigns concluded at March Madness, the first in ten years.
So much so that the latter received a bonus of approximately one million dollars to reach 4.2 million dollars this year, which makes him thus integrate the podium of the highest paid coaches of the Big Ten.
“Coach Woodson immediately re-inserted our program nationally, both in terms of on-field success and recruiting”, said sporting director Scott Dolson via a statement. “I knew the return of our program would be what Hoosiers fans expected, that it would not be a process that would happen overnight. I am extremely pleased with the steps we have taken over the past two years.”
After releasing Jalen Hood-Schifino (drafted by the Lakers with the 17th pick) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (drafted by the Wizards with the 57th pick), Indiana should continue its development of players destined to join the NBA, with Mike Woodson , who still have four years left on their contract, to accompany them during their studies.
“I believe that under Coach Woodson’s leadership, we have positioned the program to be competitive at the highest level in recruiting, which will enable us to be competitive at the highest level within the Big Ten and in the NCAA Tournament »concluded Scott Dolson.
