May 15, 2012 — MSU’s new head men’s basketball coach says he does not want to be recognized as the “Unforgettable” UK basketball player of years past.
Instead, Sean Woods has plans to lead his new program to an unforgettable status of its own.
After six successful seasons under former head coach Donnie Tyndall, the Eagles moved forward with the official hiring of Woods on Monday afternoon.
One of UK’s “Unforgettables” in the 1990’s under Rick Pitino, Woods took the opportunity to step up to the challenge at MSU after leading the Mississippi Valley State University program to a 2012 NCAA Tournament appearance.
“I want this program to be considered a first-class entity,” Woods said. “Coach Tyndall left this program in a good place, but I want to take it one step further. I want us to be become the Gonzaga of the South and I also want to take this team from mid-major to high major.”
MSU Athletic Director Brian Hutchinson said Tyndall “helped to stabilize the program and bring success back to MSU.”
Woods noted he does not feel the pressure of great expectations at the helm of the Eagles.
“I am the right guy for the job, I can promise you this,” Woods said. “I feel no pressure coming into this situation and I’m happy to be in a place with a solid foundation. I’m coming into a much better situation here than when I went to MSVU a few years ago.”
Before taking the job at MSVU, Woods spent several years as an assistant for some of the nation’s top programs, including a stint at TCU.
The chance to return to Kentucky has Woods both pleased and excited.
“It’s a blessing to be able to come home to Kentucky,” Woods said. “Over the years, I have been blessed to have worked with and be coached by some of the best coaches in the nation. This has been a great journey for me and I just want to say thank you to MSU President Wayne Andrews, Brian Hutchinson, and the university for giving me the opportunity to showcase my abilities as a coach.”
Asked about the players he was inheriting, Wood said:
“I already see the same fire and glow in these players eyes that I have for this game. It’s a passion for winning, and my teams have to want to win as much as I do.”
Woods said his coaching staff would be completed in the near future and that he already is on the recruiting trail for next season.
Grant Stevens can be reached at gstevens@themoreheadnews.com or by telephone at 784-4116.
