A year ago, Mike Woodson was hired as India’s new head coach and returned to New York shortly after being introduced.
Former Knicks head coach and assistant Welcomed by his ex-player With one hug and one smile on the Madison Square Garden court, NBA pros provide a quick window to pay homage to him.
Since he was the head coach of the franchise, I’ve been able to find the same emotions expressed in words from some of Woodson’s former Knicks players. Some of them commented on him during an episode of Knicksfan TV recorded in September 2020.
“I love him to death. In my opinion, he still has to be a coach in New York,” Raymond Felton said at the show. “He’s like a coach, his father, all of the above to me.”
“I know how many players respect him and like to play for him,” long-time NBA player Jamal Crawford said at the same show. “He knows how to hold everyone accountable. He’s a straight shooter. But he also knew how to understand and I loved playing for him. “
“He allowed us to be men first and foremost,” said Kenyon Martin. “He held us accountable … not all coaches can do it. Not all coaches can demand that respect. Woody did it.”
Former IU star Nick Jared Jeffries made a similar note.
“Woody is a proven coach,” he said when Woodson was hired. “He did a great job with the Knicks team. One of the greatest people I have ever met. Above all, he understands our school better than anyone else.”
Praise extends beyond New York.
Former NBA guard Mike Bibby last month Play for Woodson In Atlanta.
“I just met Mike Woodson. He’s probably the best coach I’ve ever had, but not the best. All the time-how he treated the guys, and as a person. How was it? “Bibby said. “That’s the most noticeable thing for me.”
But what do you think of one of Woodson’s most famous players, Carmelo Anthony?
Trace Jackson Davis asked the same question and was able to ask Anthony when Woodson was hired in 2021.
“I asked around, last year I asked Carmelo Anthony, he told me he was his favorite coach he had ever played, and I can now see why You can, “said Jackson-Davis.
All of that positive energy that Woodson has generated during his time at the NBA seems to be now appearing in Indiana. Yes, Hoosiers lost 4 players on the transfer portal, but 4 freshmen came in. It is no exaggeration to say that Woodson has regained all the players and won the spot.
Hoosiers returned more than 90% of the score and 78% of the minutes have been played since last season. Both numbers are the best in Big Ten.
So why did he succeed in bringing everyone back in the era of forwarding portals?
You could see some of the reasons behind the scenes. A huge hug in the media room of Rob Phinisee who won the match against Padu. He made a playful joke while Xavier Johnson stood up at the press conference and waited for his turn.
The answer from Jackson-Davis is very similar to what a former Woodson NBA player says.
“I think Woodson said from the beginning that he would be a family the moment he came here,” said Jackson-Davis. “I think every player kept that in mind. We are all responsible for each other. We pick up the guy, and he’s the same way.”
It’s not all hugs and jokes.Jackson-Davis Found directly in a big tent tournamentWoodson can light under someone if needed.
But respect remains.
“He’s a great coach and he’s doing things the right way,” said Jackson-Davis.
Woodson’s career 315-365 (.463) record as head coach of the NBA is used as a negative against him. But if you look at the details, you can see that the total of his wins in Atlanta is increasing each year he was there. The same is true in New York until the end of the run in the ninth year. Knicks has only played one playoff since he was fired after the 2013-14 season. It was the 2020-21 campaign he participated in as an assistant.
In many respects, Woodson has become a victim of his own success in the NBA.
“We have grown as a team and as a player. Zaza Pachulia of the Hawks Center told AP in 2010 after Woodson was fired.” But when you get better, you want even more. I think we are at a stage where we are not making progress. To win the championship. “
Woodson has now turned Indiana into a favorite of the Big Ten in 2023 from the 12-15 season of 2020-21.
Woodson is probably what you call a player’s coach, whatever that means.He sees the authoritarian style he played at IU Past.. I’d like to explain Woodson’s approach, but at least for now, he seems to be pushing all the right buttons in Bloomington.
But now he has to offer under the weight of expectations at IU.
As always, Woodson players believe he’s the right person for the job.
“He’s a great guy everywhere and he has a great personality,” said Jackson-Davis.
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