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Indiana coach Mike Woodson gives update on several key players before Bahamas trip
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Indiana coach Mike Woodson met with reporters on Friday morning ahead of his team’s trip to the Bahamas for a pair of exhibition games in August.
The Hoosiers will play two games against BC Mega of Belgrade, Serbia during the trip.
Woodson said Indiana’s starting lineup is still up the air, adding that Trayce Jackson-Davis was the only player who has nailed down a starting spot so far.
Indiana coach Mike Woodson: “No starting position is set in stone, except the big fella (Trayce Jackson-Davis).” #iubb
— Jeff Rabjohns (@JeffRabjohns) August 6, 2021
Woodson also discussed incoming freshman Tamar Bates, who is the crown jewel of his first recruiting class with the Hoosiers. He said Bates has added about 12 pounds of good weight so far.
Mike Woodson notes four-star freshman guard Tamar Bates has added about 12 pounds since stepping on campus. #iubb
— Alec Lasley (@allasley) August 6, 2021
Bates is a 5-star guard according to 247Sports Composite rankings. He was committed to Texas before the Longhorns fired coach Shaka Smart back in March.
Woodson was complimentary of transfer Parker Stewart as well. Stewart transferred to IU while Archie Miller was the head coach and decided to stay in Bloomington to play for Woodson.
Mike Woodson: ‘He (Parker Stewart) went through a stretch there where he was the best player in the gym.’ #iubb
— Alec Lasley (@allasley) August 6, 2021
Woodson said defense has been his program’s primary focus over the last month, but said he wanted to see what it looks like when the Hoosiers face a different opponent.
Mike Woodson: "The main focus the last month and a half has really been on defense. It's going to be interesting to see how we react when we play somebody else." #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) August 6, 2021
He’ll get that chance as IU faces BC Mega on Aug. 13 and 15.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.