Childhood and Education Journey of Mike Woodson in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 5, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Mike Woodson. A timeline of key moments.

Michael "Mike" Woodson is a former professional basketball player and coach with a career spanning several decades. He played in the NBA for 11 seasons, primarily as a guard. Following his playing career, Woodson transitioned into coaching, holding head coaching positions with the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, and most recently, Indiana University, his alma mater. He is known for his coaching style, aiming to bring success to each team he manages.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

March 24, 1958: Michael Dean Woodson Born

On March 24, 1958, Michael Dean Woodson was born. He later became a professional basketball player and coach.

1958: Born in Indianapolis

In 1958, Mike Woodson was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the second youngest of 12 children, facing financial struggles and family health challenges early in life.

1976: College career at Indiana Hoosiers begins

In 1976, Mike Woodson began his collegiate basketball career with coach Bob Knight's Indiana Hoosiers.

1976: Freshman Year at Indiana University

In 1976, Mike Woodson began his freshman year at Indiana University, facing challenges with physical play and Coach Knight's demanding coaching style.

1977: Second Season at Indiana University

During the 1977-78 season, Mike Woodson's sophomore year, the Hoosiers finished the regular season with an overall record of 21-8 and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the 1978 NCAA Tournament.

1978: Hoosiers advance to Sweet Sixteen in NCAA Tournament

In 1978, during Woodson's sophomore year, the Hoosiers advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament.

1978: Named captain of the Hoosier team

In 1978, during his junior year, Mike Woodson was named captain of the Hoosier team.

1979: Ranked Number 1 in the polls

In 1979, the Hoosiers, led by Woodson and Isiah Thomas, began the season ranked No. 1 in the polls after a rare 78–50 blow-out of the Soviet Union men's national basketball team.

1980: Advances to Sweet Sixteen

In 1980, Mike Woodson returned after recovering from back surgery to lead the Hoosiers to a conference win and Sweet Sixteen appearance.

1984: Isiah Thomas mentions Woodson's return from surgery as his biggest basketball thrill

In 1984, after winning the NBA All-Star MVP, Isiah Thomas mentioned Mike Woodson's return from back surgery and his performance against Iowa as his biggest basketball thrill.