I remember sitting in Assembly Hall back in 2002 watching Jared Jeffries lead Indiana to that magical Final Four run. The sea of crimson and cream roaring with every basket, the floor shaking with stomping feet - that's the Indiana basketball I fell in love with. Now, twenty years later, I can't help but wonder if Coach Mike Woodson can bring back those glory days. Having covered college basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen programs rise and fall, but Indiana's story feels particularly compelling right now.
When Woodson took over in 2021, the program was averaging just 16.8 wins per season over the previous four years. Last season, we saw them climb to 23 wins and make the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2016. That's progress, no question. But what fascinates me about Woodson's approach isn't just the win column - it's how he's building his roster. He seems to understand something crucial about modern basketball that reminds me of that interesting comparison from women's volleyball about players not being mirror images. While some may consider Sisi a 'shorter Savi' or Savi a 'taller Sisi' because of their identical two-way prowess on offense and defense, Davison doesn't consider herself a mirror image of the kind of player Rondina is. This mentality resonates deeply with what Woodson appears to be doing at Indiana.
I've noticed Woodson isn't trying to recreate specific player types from Indiana's golden eras. He's not looking for the next Isiah Thomas or Calbert Cheaney clone. Instead, he's assembling players who bring unique, complementary skills. Take Trayce Jackson-Davis - his evolution under Woodson has been remarkable. He improved his scoring average from 19.3 to 20.9 points per game while dramatically increasing his assists from 2.3 to 4.0 per game. That's not just statistical growth - that's philosophical development. Woodson recognized Jackson-Davis wasn't just a traditional post player and expanded his game in ways that made the entire offense more dynamic.
The defensive improvements have been equally impressive. Indiana held opponents to 65.8 points per game last season compared to 72.3 the year before Woodson arrived. That's not accidental. Woodson's NBA background shines through in his defensive schemes. He implements sophisticated switching defenses that require players to understand multiple positions - much like how versatile players in other sports bring two-way prowess without being carbon copies of each other.
Recruiting has been another area where Woodson's approach differs from his predecessors. He's landed five-star prospects like Jalen Hood-Schifino while also tapping into the transfer portal for experienced players like Xavier Johnson. This balanced approach shows he understands you need both blue-chip talent and seasoned veterans to compete in today's Big Ten. Honestly, I think his NBA pedigree gives him credibility with recruits that some college-only coaches lack. When he talks about player development and pathway to the pros, he's speaking from genuine experience.
Now, let's talk about the challenges. The Big Ten has become arguably the toughest conference in college basketball. Last season, nine Big Ten teams made the NCAA tournament. Michigan State, Purdue, Illinois - these aren't just conference games, they're brutal battles that test a team's depth and resilience. Indiana finished 12-8 in conference play last year. Respectable, but not championship level. To return to true glory, they'll need to push that closer to 15-5 or better.
The offense still needs work too. While the defense has improved dramatically, Indiana ranked just 7th in the Big Ten in offensive efficiency last season. Their three-point shooting percentage of 34.8% placed them in the middle of the conference. In modern basketball, you simply need reliable outside shooting to create spacing and offensive versatility. Woodson knows this - he's been emphasizing it in recruiting and player development.
What gives me hope is the cultural shift I'm observing. There's a different energy around the program now. Former players are more engaged, the fan base is revitalized, and there's genuine belief that's been missing for years. I spoke with several players after games last season, and they consistently mentioned how Woodson's professional approach - treating them like adults, being direct about expectations - has created a more serious, focused environment.
The facilities upgrades help too. Indiana has invested over $2 million in practice facility improvements since Woodson arrived. These might seem like peripheral factors, but they matter in recruiting and player development. When prospects visit and see NBA-level facilities, it sends a message about the program's commitment to excellence.
Looking ahead, I'm cautiously optimistic. Woodson has the program trending in the right direction, but the leap from good to great is the hardest one in sports. They need to start consistently beating top-10 opponents - something they managed only twice last season. They need deeper tournament runs. And they need to prove they can reload rather than rebuild when key players depart.
My prediction? Indiana reaches the Sweet Sixteen this coming season and contends for a Big Ten title within three years. The foundation Woodson is building feels sustainable rather than fleeting. He's not trying to recreate the past but rather build something new that honors Indiana's tradition while embracing modern basketball realities. The glory days might not look exactly like they did in the 1970s or 1980s, but with Woodson's leadership, I believe Indiana basketball is poised to create its own version of glory for a new generation. The journey won't be easy, but for the first time in years, it feels genuinely possible.