Mike Woodson has a strong supporter as he departs from his role as Indiana’s basketball coach.
Trayce Jackson-Davis expressed his gratitude for Woodson on social media, saying: “You didn’t have to take the job, but you did. Despite all the criticism and threats, you stood tall. A great coach, no matter what the trolls say. Love you, coach.”
One of Woodson’s first major accomplishments after being hired in 2021 was persuading Jackson-Davis to return to Indiana for his junior season.
The former Indiana Mr. Basketball from Center Grove High School contemplated entering the NBA after both his sophomore and junior years but ultimately stayed in Bloomington. As a senior, he earned first-team All-America honors and helped lead the Hoosiers to a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
Since Jackson-Davis graduated, Indiana has not returned to March Madness. Now in his second season with the Golden State Warriors, the 2023 second-round NBA Draft pick is averaging 7.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.