Whether Luke Woodson is playing football or basketball, the Deerfield senior is the kind of athlete who has but one focus: getting the job done.
Woodson, a three-year starting point guard who recently committed to play football at Drake, is the “consummate leader,” according to Deerfield boys basketball coach Dan McKendrick.
“What I think he does best is he’s a constant competitor,” McKendrick said. “He does what needs to be done. Sometimes it’s scoring. Sometimes it’s rebounding. He finds a way to get it done.”
Sometimes it’s guarding the opposing team’s center, a tall task for the 5-foot-11 Woodson, who is averaging 13.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Warriors (16-7) this season.
But in situations like that, he has no fear. The willingness and strength to take on the big guy are qualities he brings from the football field to the basketball court.
“I would say aggressiveness and some IQ stuff separates me from others on the basketball court,” Woodson said. “The IQ thing keeps me poised to make good plays under pressure.”
Added McKendrick: “Sometimes in football you make a mistake, and you go back to the huddle and forget about it. He worries about what’s happening next. Our football program has developed a culture of togetherness, and he’s brought that to basketball to make sure everyone is valued.”
Woodson has aspirations to be a coach, and it’s clear he has thought through the leadership required of such a position.
The key, he said, is understanding the needs of each teammate. If a buddy misses a shot in a game, for example, that may be an opportunity to get on him a little bit. For other players, a softer touch might be needed to pick them up.
“It’s individually knowing your guys and how they will respond,” Woodson said.
McKendrick gives him the latitude to call plays based on what he’s seeing on the floor. The same was true in football, according to coach Steve Winiecki.
“He was like another coach on the field,” Winiecki said.
He thinks Woodson would be “a fantastic coach.”
“He’s a people person and connects really well with people,” Winiecki said.
Woodson will make more connections when he attends Drake in Des Moines, Iowa.
“I think I just really liked the way the coaches wanted me,” he said. “I think their facilities and their schools are great. I love the town.”
Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.