Mike Woodson has heard a lot from Indiana University fans in his time in charge. Criticism of his coaching style is rampant. Many have said he’s out of touch with modern basketball. Ultimately, it boils down to a focus on one thing: his recruiting. Woodson takes a lot of heat for the players he brings in, most of the time after a ton of praise for those same players before they end up taking the court. Regardless, there’s a clear message coming out of Bloomington these days:
Woodson hears you. And he agrees. And he’s going to do something about it.
After a season in which Indiana shot only 32% from three-point range, and the one recruit who was expected to solve that issue–Montverde Academy forward Liam McNeeley–decommitted from the school, Woodson is taking the opportunity to use the Transfer Portal to restock his roster with players who can and will put up at least five to six shots from deep per game by themselves. It’s an ever-expanding list that includes Furman’s Marcus Foster, Penn’s Clark Slajchert, Belmont’s Ja’Kobi Gillespie, and Oklahoma State point guard–and Indiana native–Javon Small, all of whom average at least 15 points per game and shoot 40% or better from three. With only four guards on the roster, these are all players who can step in and play big minutes from the jump.
Woodson knows he’s got assets to offer. He’s got six open scholarships at the moment following three entries into the Portal from the IU side today, and minutes and NIL opportunities for anybody who wants them. He’ll use that to build the depth Indiana was lacking at many times last season, especially in the backcourt but all-around as well, hence the decision to look at versatile Pepperdine wing Michael Ajayi and Drexel paint enforcer Amari Williams. The Hoosier coaching staff skipped the NIT for a good reason–getting as much of a jump as possible on building relationships with these players.
The scattershot approach is a necessity in this day and age, as many of these Portal players are being given the same pitch from every coach: come play for me, win, and be a star. But Woodson, for all the criticism he gets, has credibility that not every coach brings to the table. Ask Trayce Jackson-Davis, playing 25 minutes a night for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors and thriving. Ask Kel’El Ware, who went from an afterthought at Oregon to a potential lottery pick–and seventh scholarship opening–after a triumphant season as Indiana’s center. Ask Jalen Hood-Schifino or Mackenzie Mgbako, the two Big Ten Freshmen of the Year Woodson has coached in four years.
All that being said, part of what makes Woodson such a good coach is his willingness to admit when he’s wrong. He understands the need to evolve. He understands the need to build depth and overall talent. He’ll spend the offseason adding to an arsenal that includes Mgbako, forward Malik Reneau, and guards/team ambassadors Trey Galloway and Anthony Leal.
He’s in Portal Mode. Let him cook.
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I’m a fan of coach woodson and not a coach however i always wondered why CJ Gunn never got more playing time with his athletic ability, I sure would hate to lose CJ to another team just because he wasn’t getting playing time, I know he is capable of playing, like I said I’m no coach if it’s off the court or behind the court or behind school reason’s I like CJ Gunn and I’d hate to lose him to anohter team figure that out coach Woodson please
Is Ware going to enter the NBA Draft this year or is he coming back to IU for at least one more year?
I thought Gunn already entered the Portal and was planning on leaving IU for another team in 24-25.
Who actually wrote this, Mrs. Woodson? Get real.
Trust is the name of the game. We trust him and we know he understands the frustration of the Hoosier Nation. They want and deserve a winning team that can compete. We are now and have always been Winners……
Excellent article…Hutton nailed it…