Indiana Hoosiers head coach Mike Woodson delivered his thoughts after his team’s 89-73 win against Providence during the Battle 4 Atlantis in The Bahamas. The Hoosiers finished seventh out of eight teams, improving their season record to 5-2. Key players Mackenzie Mgbako, Trey Galloway, and Malik Reneau led the charge with standout performances.
Woodson touched on several critical points, including Trey Galloway’s potential role in the starting lineup, the team’s offensive improvement, and concerns over rebounding struggles. Despite the victory, Woodson emphasized areas for improvement, particularly on the defensive end and maintaining consistency in effort against top-tier teams.
Coach Woodson began by addressing Trey Galloway’s performance, praising the guard’s contributions while sidestepping questions about his potential move to the starting lineup. Woodson explained that Galloway’s inclusion is dictated by his health and availability, stating, “Trey’s situation has been gauged based on how he’s feeling. He played great today, and it was good news to hear he felt better after a tough stretch.”
Woodson then acknowledged the team’s improved offensive flow, highlighting their 20 assists and reduced turnovers. He credited better ball movement, effective pick-and-roll plays, and perimeter shooting for the offensive success. “Everything looks good when you’re making shots,” he remarked, pointing out that improved shooting opens up opportunities for post players and drives.
However, concerns remained, particularly about the team’s rebounding issues. The Hoosiers allowed 41 offensive rebounds over three games, a problem Woodson traced back to last season. He emphasized the need for more intensity and focus, stating, “It comes down to heart and guts. We’re giving up too many second-chance buckets, and that has to be fixed moving forward.”
Woodson also reflected on Myles Rice’s struggles, expressing confidence in the player’s ability to bounce back, and provided a brief update on Kanaan Carlyle’s injury, noting his day-to-day status. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of pushing the pace against Providence, capitalizing on their late-night game the previous day.
Looking ahead, Woodson recognized that Indiana must play harder and elevate its performance against elite teams. While satisfied with the win, he stressed that the team still has work to do, especially defensively. “We shot the ball well offensively, but defensively, we’re a little behind,” he noted.
With this victory serving as a confidence boost, the Hoosiers will return home to regroup and address their weaknesses as they prepare for the next phase of the season.
