TTM Stats
- Sent: 3/18/2022 | Received: 4/21/2022 | 33 Days
- ’89 NBA Hoops
- Address: Indiana University (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Mike Woodson, a versatile swingman during his NBA playing days and a well-respected coach in the league, has enjoyed a long and impactful career in basketball. Born on March 24, 1958, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Woodson’s journey through the world of professional basketball has been defined by his intelligence, dedication, and adaptability, both as a player and a coach.
Growing up in Indiana, basketball was a natural part of Woodson’s life. He attended Broad Ripple High School, where his talent on the court earned him attention from top college programs. Woodson chose to play at Indiana University under the legendary coach Bob Knight. His time with the Hoosiers proved to be pivotal in his development as a player and a future coach.
During his collegiate career, Woodson established himself as one of the Big Ten’s premier players. He was known for his scoring ability, leadership, and tenacity on defense. In his senior year, despite missing part of the season due to injury, Woodson returned to lead the Hoosiers to a Big Ten championship and earned All-American honors. His performance at Indiana solidified his place as a top NBA prospect.
Woodson was selected by the New York Knicks with the 12th overall pick in the 1980 NBA Draft. His ability to score and defend made him a valuable asset in the league. Though he never reached superstar status, Woodson carved out a productive career as a reliable role player.
Over his 11-year NBA career, Woodson played for several teams, including the Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Kansas City/Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Known for his scoring touch, especially from mid-range, Woodson was a steady contributor on the offensive end. He averaged 14 points per game over his career, with his best statistical season coming in 1982-83 when he averaged 18.2 points per game with the Kansas City Kings. Woodson retired in 1991, but his basketball journey was far from over.
Woodson’s deep understanding of the game, honed during his playing days and under the mentorship of Bob Knight, naturally led him to pursue a career in coaching. He started as an assistant coach in the NBA, working with teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Detroit Pistons.
His big break as a head coach came in 2004 when he was hired by the Atlanta Hawks. Woodson inherited a rebuilding team, but he steadily developed the young roster and turned the Hawks into playoff contenders. Under his leadership, Atlanta made the playoffs for three consecutive seasons from 2008 to 2010, including a 53-win season in 2009-10.
In 2012, Woodson took over as head coach of the New York Knicks, the team that drafted him as a player. He had immediate success, leading the Knicks to their first playoff series victory in over a decade during the 2012-13 season. That year, the Knicks won 54 games, earning the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
Woodson’s tenure in New York restored some much-needed stability to the franchise, and he became known for his ability to manage star players while maintaining a focus on defense. Though his time with the Knicks ended in 2014, Woodson’s influence on the team was lasting, and he remains highly regarded in the New York basketball community.
In 2021, Woodson returned to his alma mater, Indiana University, as the head coach of the men’s basketball team. The hire marked a full-circle moment in his career, bringing him back to the place where his basketball journey began. Woodson’s return to Indiana was met with excitement, as the university looked to him to restore the program’s former glory. His experience in the NBA as both a player and coach made him an ideal fit for the Hoosiers, and he immediately set to work in rebuilding the team.
The Score on Mike Woodson – 6.0
This is a nice return from Mike. I love that he included a post card (it’s not really a photo I don’t think). And that’s actually signed too. The card came out great. I don’t really think of him as a player, more as a coach so it was nice to come across that card. The signature on the card sticks out nicely because of the blue.
Thanks Mr. Woodson! I’m giving this return a 6.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Basketball Reference.