Mike Woodson reaffirms improved depth of Indiana, says he's 'not afraid to play anybody'
Mike Woodson coached Indiana to a win over Jackson State on Friday. The Hoosiers won 90-51 to remain undefeated.
Indiana used its bench players to its advantage. Woodson talked about how he feels when it comes to using players off the bench.
“From a coaching standpoint, I’m not afraid to play anybody off our bench,” said Woodson. “We have a better team than we had last year, but we’ve still got to prove it.”
Mike Woodson: “From a coaching standpoint, I’m not afraid to play anybody off our bench. … We have a better team than we had last year, but we’ve still got to prove it.” #iubb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) November 25, 2022
One of those better performances from the Indiana bench came from Tamar Bates. Bates finished the game with 22 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists. Bates scored a career-high in points.
Woodson talked about how this has been a long time coming for Bates.
“Well, he finally had a breakout game,” said Woodson. “I’m not surprised or shocked.”
Mike Woodson on Tamar Bates: “Well, he finally had a breakout game. I’m not surprised or shocked.” #iubb
— Tyler Tachman (@Tyler_T15) November 25, 2022
Before the Jackson State game, Bates’ most points scored in a game was 13. Indiana could need some help scoring off the bench with the North Carolina game up next.
The Hoosiers and Tarheels meet in the ACC/B1G Challenge on Nov. 30. Tip off will be at 9:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.