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What new Indiana head basketball coach Mike Woodson said during his introductory press conference
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Indiana has officially hired its new head basketball coach.
On Monday, Indiana held the introductory press conference for new head coach Mike Woodson, who brings over two decades of NBA coaching experience to Bloomington. Athletic director Scott Dolson also went the route of hiring someone with close ties to the program, as Woodson played for former head coach Bob Knight from 1976-80.
Though this will be Woodson’s first stop as a coach at the college level, he believes his experience in the NBA will help him greatly in Bloomington. He also thinks that his ties to the program and relationship with former players will be a huge benefit moving forward.
Woodson provided an opening statement and answered plenty of questions during his introductory presser. Here’s what the new leader of the Hoosiers had to say:
https://twitter.com/SchutteCFB/status/1376538375038046217?s=20
https://twitter.com/SchutteCFB/status/1376538236122714114?s=20
Woodson: "For me, this is a complete circle. I've done everything I ever wanted to do in basketball." #iubb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) March 29, 2021
Woodson on meeting with Dolson: "He wanted to do a Zoom. I told him if you're interested in Mike Woodson, either I get on a plane or you get on a plane and come see me." #iubb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) March 29, 2021
Woodson's gotten emotional a few times thanking people in his journey:
"I said I wasn't gonna get sensitive, but boy, this is a great day for Mike Woodson and his family." #iubb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) March 29, 2021
Mike Woodson said he applied to be IU's coach one other time.
"I never tried to pursue it but one time, but I didn't get the job. So I went back to by NBA world." #iubb
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) March 29, 2021
Woodson: "Coaching is coaching. I've got to get players. Go out and recruit quality student-athletes that can come in here and help this program move in the right direction." #iubb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) March 29, 2021
Woodson says he has staff members in mind. Will sit and huddle with Matta, Dolson to figure out who he wants to bring in. #iubb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) March 29, 2021
Mike Woodson on the players currently in the transfer portal:
"My first job is to sit down with each one of them and talk about staying in Hoosier Nation. That's what is important. If I have to beg and plead a little bit to keep them here, I'll do that." #iubb
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) March 29, 2021
Woodson also says he'll maintain a consistent open-door policy with players. #iubb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) March 29, 2021
Woodson: "Offensively, the 3-ball has changed the game. We've got to recruit players who can shoot the ball, pass and dribble, and be able to make plays for one another." #iubb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) March 29, 2021
Woodson: "We've got to recruit players that can shoot the ball, pass and dribble and be able to make plays for one another. … I think I can create an offense that everyone can touch the basketball."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) March 29, 2021
Woodson: "I think I can bring a system in from a defensive standpoint that I can recruit players that can defend three and four positions. That's how I did it in the pros."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) March 29, 2021
Woodson: "I'm grateful Thad's on board."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) March 29, 2021
Woodson: "I honestly believe I can go into a kid's home and I can relate. Because I've been through it."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) March 29, 2021
Woodson: "This is the first time I've recruited in college. We recruit all the time in the NBA."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) March 29, 2021
Woodson: "I gotta groom these young men on and off the floor and that's on me. … There will be challenges, but I'm going to surround myself with people who will help me navigate those challenges."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) March 29, 2021
Watch today’s live press conference as @IndianaMBB introduces former Hoosier Mike Woodson as head coach. https://t.co/mvRqVbI1fX
— Indiana On BTN (@IndianaOnBTN) March 29, 2021
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB