In the days leading up to his IU coaching debut, Mike Woodson didn’t let his excitement show. He continued on with his coaching cliches, telling his players to “take it one game at a time.” All he wanted to do, he said, was beat Eastern Michigan. Asked if his emotions were any different heading into Tuesday than when he coached for a new team in the NBA, Woodson said: “I don’t know.”
When Tuesday finally came, Woodson kept the same composure. While the crowd roared to life after his name was introduced, Woodson remained focused in the huddle with his players.