Former Indiana men’s basketball head coach Mike Woodson released a statement on Friday, his first full remarks on his departure from the program. In the statement, Woodson says that returning to Bloomington to lead the men’s basketball program was “an honor” and a great opportunity to represent the Hoosiers and his alma mater.

Former Indiana University head coach Mike Woodson will be joining the Kings’ staff as a lead assistant under Doug Christie, per @SeanCunningham ( https://t.co/aZKwGXZNAb ). Woodson has extensive NBA history previously as the head coach for the Hawks (2004-10) and Knicks (2012-14). pic.twitter.com/1ivxMVByKG

The Sacramento Kings struck a deal to bring in the longtime NBA coach and former Indiana Hoosiers coach as an assistant under Doug Christie on Wednesday afternoon, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Woodson marks the first hire for Christie, who was promoted as the team’s full-time head coach last month.