Knicks Coach Mike Woodson takes the stage at UMKC

Woodson to share lessons learned with the Men of Color Campus Initiative members

Kansas City, Mo. – What can an NBA coach share with college students? He can share what it takes to succeed – the grit and determination to get through challenges, on and off the court.

The New York Knicks Coach Mike Woodson will engage in a “Fireside Chat” on stage for the Men of Color Campus Initiative at University of Missouri-Kansas City from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13 at the Student Union Theatre, 5100 Cherry St.

Rodney Smith, Ed.D, associate director of Academic Support and Mentoring, will join Woodson on stage.

During the “Behind the Scenes: Legacy in the Making” event, Woodson will spend his time answering questions from those in attendance.

“Coach Woodson is a trailblazer not only in the NBA, but also in the world of business,” said Smith. “Hearing his unique perspective, I think our students will be amazed – as well as inspired – by his accomplishments both on the court and off.”

While on campus, Woodson also will conduct an instructional workout with four UMKC basketball players from 12 – 12:30 p.m., followed by a coaching clinic for area coaches from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. at the Swinney Recreation Center.

Coach Woodson will be available for interviews as time permits.

Woodson served as Knicks’ interim coach for two months prior to being hired as head coach in May 2012. He has had a successful career in basketball, beginning with his days at Indiana University under coach Bob Knight where he was a two-time All-American, averaging 19.8 points in 104 career games with the Hoosiers.

His impressive career spans more than 30 years. Woodson played in the NBA for 11 years, including playing more than 786 games for the Knicks, New Jersey and Kansas City/Sacramento (1981-82 through 1985-86 seasons), LA Clippers, Houston and Cleveland. He was head coach of the Atlanta Hawks for six years, and assistant coach with Milwaukee, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Detroit.

Before joining the Hawks, Woodson served for one season (2003-04) as an assistant coach with the Pistons, where he was one of the chief architects behind Detroit’s suffocating defense that helped the Pistons to the 2004 NBA Title.

About the University of Missouri-Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City, one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students, and celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2013. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.

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This information is available to people with speech or hearing impairments by calling Relay Missouri at (800) 735-2966 (TT) or (800) 735-2466 (voice).


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