Mike Woodson, the former head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers and a celebrated shooting guard with a storied career in both college and professional basketball, is once again making headlines. The Indiana University alumnus and former standout in the National Basketball League is set to return to the NCAA — this time in a new and influential role.
Woodson, who left a mark on the Indiana Hoosiers both as a player and coach, has been named to a high-profile position within the NCAA, where he will serve as a Senior Advisor for Collegiate Player Development and Mentorship. This new role will leverage his deep basketball insight, leadership experience, and passion for nurturing young talent.
After a successful coaching run with the Hoosiers that revitalized the program’s competitiveness and culture, Woodson is shifting focus from the sidelines to the broader collegiate stage. The NCAA’s announcement of his appointment highlights a growing emphasis on player welfare, mentorship, and career readiness for student-athletes.
A Legacy Rooted in Indiana
Woodson’s roots at Indiana University run deep. As a player under legendary coach Bob Knight, he led the Hoosiers to Big Ten Championships and earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors. His 2,061 career points still place him among the top scorers in IU history. After a solid NBA playing career and nearly two decades as an NBA coach — including a stint as head coach of the New York Knicks — Woodson returned to his alma mater in 2021 to helm the Hoosiers, bringing renewed energy and discipline to the program.
His transition into an NCAA advisory role is being seen as a natural evolution for someone long-respected for his basketball acumen and mentorship skills.
Shaping the Next Generation
In his new NCAA role, Woodson will focus on mentoring current student-athletes, advising on policy development, and helping shape programs that bridge the gap between college and professional basketball careers. He will also work with coaches across the country to promote leadership, academic integrity, and holistic athlete development.
“College basketball shaped who I am,” said Woodson in a recent statement. “I’ve had the privilege to play and coach at the highest levels, but my time at Indiana — both as a player and coach — remains at the core of everything. This new role is a way to give back and help guide the future of the game I love.”
Looking Ahead
Woodson’s appointment is already being praised by coaches, former players, and college administrators across the nation. With his return to college basketball, albeit in a different capacity, he brings a unique blend of experience, wisdom, and Hoosier pride that is expected to positively impact the NCAA landscape.
His journey — from Indiana legend to NBA standout, from head coach to NCAA leader — is a testament to lifelong dedication to the sport. And now, as he steps into this new chapter, Mike Woodson is poised to leave an even greater legacy on the college game.
