Indiana Basketball Rebuilds with Transfers, Aims for Big Ten and National Glory

In a candid interview at the Big Ten Basketball Media Days, Indiana men's basketball coach Mike Woodson opened up about the challenges and opportunities facing the Hoosiers as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season and reclaim their place among the conference and national elite.

Retooling the Roster Through the Transfer Portal

Woodson acknowledged that he had no choice but to turn to the transfer portal to rebuild his roster after losing key players. "We had no choice. I mean, I lost three players to the portal. I lost two seniors in Kel'el Ware, who was drafted to the Heat as a 15th pick in the draft. I had to go out along with my staff and start, you know, really working to try to build our team back."The Hoosiers were able to bring in several talented transfers, including Big Ballo, Myles Rice, and Kanaan Carlyle. Woodson also secured the return of Bloomington native Luke Goode, and added freshman Bryson Tucker, who had previously caught the coach's eye. "We were able to come West and get Big Ballo, as you mentioned, and Myles Rice and Kanaan Carlyle. Then we were fortunate enough to get (Luke) Goode to come back home, which he is a Bloomington kid. Then we got a freshman in Bryson Tucker, who kind of fell in our laps late. I had looked at him a couple of years ago when he was at IMG. We were able to get him on board. I mean, we've built basically through the portal with one freshman, but it's been a work in progress."

Developing a Winning Culture

Woodson emphasized the importance of his veteran players, such as Trey Galloway, Malik Reneau, and Mackenzie Mgbako, in leading the team and helping the newcomers adjust to the rigors of Big Ten basketball. "We need them to lead and make another jump. I thought Malik made a hell of a jump from his freshman year, and Mackenzie, tremendous jump. Trey Galloway is who he is. He's been a leader since I've had him. Unfortunately, he had the knee surgery this past season, and he's worked his butt off this summer to get back. He's not fully recovered, but he is getting there, so I'm going to need all three of those guys to lead."The coach acknowledged that the team has a mix of experienced players and young talent, and he will rely on the veterans to guide the newcomers through the challenges of the Big Ten. "We got some seniors, but we also have a bunch of young guys as well too that hadn't really experienced the Big Ten like Myles Rice and Kanaan Carlyle and Tucker. So we're going to need those veteran guys to step up and lead our ball club."

Reclaiming Indiana's Basketball Legacy

Woodson, an Indiana alum, is determined to restore the Hoosiers' status as a national powerhouse and bring back the glory days of the Bob Knight era. "I think we took a step backwards last year by not making the tournament. That was kind of disappointing. But again, we got to move forward. The first two years a lot of those guys hadn't been in the tournament for five years. Then they tasted it a little bit. At the end of the day along with these guys, this is about winning Big Ten titles and winning national titles. That's why I came back. I remember the good days back when I played and some of the great years that Bob Knight had at Indiana that it's been missing. To be back and I'm able to put my stamp on it, you know, it's going to be great for me. I'm happy to be back, but we still got a long way to go as a ball club."

Embracing the Hoosier Hoops Tradition

Woodson expressed his excitement about the recent success of the Indiana football program, led by head coach Curt Cignetti. "I'm loving it. I think Coach (Curt) Cignetti has done a hell of a job. He's put a great group of guys together. He's got running backs. He's got receivers. He has a hell of a quarterback. I couldn't be more happier for him because it's been a while to see our programs even in the top 25. So you have to give him a lot of credit for that."The coach is eager to see the Hoosiers take on Northwestern this week, as he believes the football team's resurgence has reignited the passion for Hoosier sports among the fanbase. "I'm waiting for Northwestern this week. We have them here at Northwestern. It should be a good ball game."As Indiana basketball embarks on a new era, Woodson's determination to rebuild the program and reclaim the Hoosiers' rightful place among the nation's elite is palpable. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented transfers, the team is poised to make a statement in the Big Ten and beyond.