BLOOMINGTON, IN – On Monday, Sept. 27 the Indiana Hoosier men’s basketball program took part in their yearly media day to kick off the 2021-2022 basketball season. The afternoon was filled with photos, interviews, positive energy and so much more. So, lets review what was said by coach Woodson and players throughout the evening.
COACH WOODSON
First up to the podium was first year head coach Mike Woodson. The former Indiana Hoosier point guard spoke on everything from their recent trip to the Bahamas to winning a national championship and bringing back IU men’s basketball to the top.
“We are here to win a Big Ten title and national championship title,” Woodson said. “If you are thinking anything else there is no reason to play.”
When speaking on the overseas trip to the Bahamas Woodson was quick to mention that he did not particularly care what the results were. Of course, he was glad the team came back to the United States with two victories, but he really wanted to see how well they picked up on the things he had taught them before departing.
“I needed that [trip to the Bahamas] …we needed that,” Woodson explained. I thought the trip was pretty successful. I just want to make sure these guys attained something that we were doing that was positive.”
Woodson also mentioned that the defense is still far ahead of the offense when looking at this team.
Look at that as a positive.
Woodson spoke on not having implemented more than just a few offensive sets up until the time of his interview.
THE PLAYERS
If there is one thing that needs to be stated about this years Indiana Hoosier men’s basketball team it is that they genuinely care for one another, and it was evident throughout each interview. Each teammate explained that they love being around each other outside of basketball but believe it will only help them as they finally get on the court together.
Pitt transfer Xavier Johnson explained that his transition to a new program has been a smooth one and made sure his teammates received credit for that.
“It did not take long getting used to this group of guys,” Johnson said. “My transition has been easy, and I can’t complain.”
On top of the brotherhood that has been built behind a newfound culture in the basketball program, players still understand that there is a certain expectation when they put on the candy stripes.
Race Thompson mentioned that they aren’t just looking to have a successful season. Rather, he and his teammates want to set a standard that is a part of Indiana basketball history.
Sophomore Trey Galloway gave what was most likely the quote of the day when asked about facing expectation at IU and the pressures that it may bring.
“I don’t think it is pressure,” Galloway said. “I think it is a privilege.”
Of course, Trayce Jackson-Davis was asked about how his summer workouts of been and if he as attained the ability to shoot the midrange jump shot. The preseason All-American gave a simple but relaxing answer of, “I am in the gym every night working on my jump shot.”
Jackson-Davis also mentioned that while he has been working on it, he will not go out of his way to force it into the game. If the jump shot is there, he will take it but explained that if he is dominating his opponent inside then there is no reason to run away from that.
Tamar Bates went as far to say the TJD is one of the best shooters on the team and that he is excited for the college basketball world to finally get to see it.
NEW UNIFORMS
In other, non-interview news, the Hoosier unveiled new uniforms for this upcoming season. A nod to the past while looking at the present and into the future.
UP NEXT FOR THE HOOSIERS
The Cream and Crimson will officially get their season underway on Saturday, Oct. 2 with their annual Hoosier Hysteria. It will start at 4 o’clock EST and last around 90 minutes. Players will take part in a three-point contest, dunk contest, and scrimmage.
On Oct. 8 the coach Woodson and members of the team will take place in Big Ten media day in Indianapolis.
