History of Mike Woodson in Timeline

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Mike Woodson

Michael Dean Woodson is an American basketball coach and former professional player. He currently serves as the head coach for the Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team, showcasing his extensive experience and expertise in the sport.

March 24, 1958: Michael Dean Woodson Born

On March 24, 1958, Michael Dean Woodson was born. He would later become a basketball coach and former professional player, eventually coaching the Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team.

1958: Born in Indianapolis

In 1958, Mike Woodson was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the second youngest of 12 children. This event marked the beginning of his life and journey.

1976: Joins Indiana Hoosiers

In 1976, Mike Woodson began playing college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers under coach Bob Knight.

1976: Freshman Year at Indiana

In 1976, Mike Woodson started his freshman year with the Indiana Hoosiers, facing challenges and learning valuable lessons from Coach Knight.

1977: Challenges during freshman year

During the 1976-77 season, Woodson faced challenges due to his weight and Coach Knight's strict coaching style, learning valuable lessons.

1978: Serves as Team Captain

In 1978, Mike Woodson served as captain of the Hoosier team, demonstrating leadership and responsibility.

1978: Hoosiers Advance to Sweet Sixteen

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

1979: Wins Gold Medal at Pan American Games

In 1979, Mike Woodson played for the United States in the Pan American Games, winning a gold medal as captain under Coach Bob Knight.

1979: Wins NIT Tournament and Gold Medal

In 1979, Mike Woodson's Indiana Hoosiers won the NIT Tournament, and Woodson was named to first team All-Big Ten. He also won a gold medal as captain of the United States basketball team at the 1979 Pan American Games.

1979: Leads Indiana to Victory against Illinois

In 1979, Woodson led Indiana to victory against Illinois, scoring a career high 48 points after being left off the All-Big Ten first team.

1979: Season Ranked No. 1

In 1979, the Hoosiers began the season ranked No. 1 in the polls, demonstrating their high level of performance and expectations.

1980: Named Big Ten Player of the Year

In 1980, Mike Woodson and Isiah Thomas led the Hoosiers to a conference title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen. Woodson was named the 1980 Big Ten Player of the Year and an NABC All-American.

1980: Drafted by New York Knicks

In 1980, Mike Woodson was drafted 12th overall by the New York Knicks, beginning his NBA career.

1980: Sweet Sixteen Appearance

In 1980, despite injuries, Woodson returned, leading the team to the Sweet Sixteen and a conference record of 13-5. His return and performance were highly impactful.

1981: Joins New Jersey Nets

In 1981, Mike Woodson played for the New Jersey Nets for a brief period before being traded.

1982: Plays for Kansas City Kings

In the 1981-82 season, Mike Woodson played for the Kansas City Kings before the team moved to Sacramento.

1983: Career-High Scoring Season

In the 1982-83 season, Mike Woodson averaged a career-high 18.2 points per game with the Kings, showcasing his scoring ability.

1984: Isiah Thomas All-Star MVP

In 1984, Isiah Thomas was asked if that was his biggest basketball thrill, to which Thomas replied, "No, my biggest thrill was my freshman year at Indiana when Mike Woodson came back from back surgery and hit his first three jump shots at Iowa."

1985: Plays for Sacramento Kings

From 1981-82 through 1985-86, Mike Woodson played for the Kansas City/Sacramento Kings, alternating between starter and sixth man.

August 1986: Traded to Los Angeles Clippers

In August 1986, Mike Woodson was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, marking a change in his NBA career. The same month his mother Odessa Woodson died.

1987: Plays for Los Angeles Clippers

From 1986-87 to 1987-88, Mike Woodson played for the Los Angeles Clippers.

1988: Plays for Los Angeles Clippers

From 1986-87 to 1987-88, Mike Woodson played for the Los Angeles Clippers.

1990: Plays for Houston Rockets

From 1988-89 through 1990-91, Mike Woodson played with the Houston Rockets.

1991: End of NBA Playing Career

In 1991, Mike Woodson's NBA playing career concluded after playing with the Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers.

2001: Hired by Larry Brown in Philadelphia

In 2001, Mike Woodson was hired by Larry Brown to coach in Philadelphia.

2003: Wins NBA Championship with the Pistons

In 2003, Mike Woodson and Larry Brown won an NBA Championship with the Detroit Pistons, marking a significant achievement in his coaching career.

2003: Coaching role in Detroit

In 2003, Mike Woodson joined Larry Brown in Detroit to continue his coaching career.

May 17, 2010: Hawks contract expired

On May 17, 2010, general manager Rick Sund announced that the team would not attempt to re-sign Woodson, whose contract expired.

August 29, 2011: Hired as Knicks Assistant Coach

On August 29, 2011, the New York Knicks announced that Mike Woodson was hired as an assistant coach under head coach Mike D'Antoni.

March 14, 2012: Named Interim Head Coach of the Knicks

On March 14, 2012, Mike Woodson was named interim head coach of the New York Knicks after Mike D'Antoni's resignation.

May 25, 2012: Named Full-Time Head Coach of the Knicks

On May 25, 2012, Mike Woodson had his interim status removed and was officially named the full-time head coach of the New York Knicks.

April 21, 2014: Fired from the New York Knicks

On April 21, 2014, Mike Woodson was fired from his position as head coach of the New York Knicks, along with his entire coaching staff.

September 29, 2014: Hired as Los Angeles Clippers Assistant Coach

On September 29, 2014, Mike Woodson was officially hired as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers under Doc Rivers.

May 15, 2018: Resigned from the Los Angeles Clippers

On May 15, 2018, Mike Woodson announced his resignation from his position as assistant coach of the Los Angeles Clippers.

September 4, 2020: Hired as New York Knicks Assistant Coach

On September 4, 2020, Mike Woodson was hired as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks under head coach Tom Thibodeau before leaving to coach the Indiana Hoosiers.

March 28, 2021: Hired as Indiana Hoosiers Head Coach

On March 28, 2021, Mike Woodson was hired as head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team, with a six-year contract.

February 7, 2025: Indiana Announces Woodson to Step Down

On February 7, 2025, Indiana announced that Woodson would step down as head coach at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Mentioned in this timeline

Basketball
College basketball
Los Angeles
Bob Knight
Detroit Pistons
Iowa
Illinois
Detroit

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