Draft:Isaac Wodajo

Isaac Wodajo (born June 12, 1992) is an American college basketball coach who is currently the Director of Recruiting and Scouting for the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team in the Big Ten Conference.

Early life

Wodajo was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attended Milwaukee Riverside University High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was a three-year player and two-year starter on the varsity basketball team. He was an All-Conference and All-Area performer for the Riverside Tigers. Wodajo graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, and shortly after began working in the financial services industry for a Financial Group in the Milwaukee area.

Start of Coaching Career

While working in finance, Wodajo started his coaching career where he played in high school, at Milwaukee Riverside University High School. He served as an Assistant Coach for the varsity boys' basketball team under Tyrone "Rock" Lewis helping Riverside to a City Conference and Regional Championship. The Tigers ended up finishing with a 19-7 overall record and the team featured 2022 ACC Player of the Year and current Miami Heat player, Alondes "Man Man" Williams.

University of Texas (Graduate Assistant)

Wodajo worked as a Graduate Assistant for two seasons at the University of Texas under Shaka Smart. During his time in Austin, the Longhorns went 19-15 in the 2017-18 season, earning a 10 seed in the South Region of the NCAA Tournament. Following up in 2018-19, with a 21-16 record, winning the 2019 NIT Tournament Championship at Madison Square Garden. During his two seasons, the Texas program featured three NBA Draft picks: 6th overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2018 NBA Draft, Mo Bamba, 8th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2019 NBA Draft, Jaxson Hayes, and 58th overall pick by the New York Knicks in the 2021 NBA Draft, Jericho Sims.

Wabash Valley College (Assistant Coach)

Wodajo was an Assistant Coach at Division 1 junior college, Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, Illinois, for three seasons, playing a significant role in player development and coaching. He served as the offensive coordinator and lead scout for every opponent, while also recruiting. During his tenure, he recruited and coached 8 Division 1 signees and 18 other players who graduated and signed to play at 4-year institutions. Wodajo has assisted in the development of 9 former Warriors, who were chosen by the coaches as All-Region 24 and All-GRAC Conference selections after those seasons.

Wabash Valley College (Head Coach)

The 2022-23 season began with Wodajo being promoted to the Head Coach at Wabash Valley College, officially in September of 2022 at only 30 years old. His team ended the season with wins in seven of their last nine games, which included a victory over No. 10 nationally-ranked Vincennes University, en route to a 17-13 record and two of his players being All-Region and All-Conference selections.

Northern Kentucky University (Special Assistant to the Head Coach/Assistant Coach)

Wodajo was named Special Assistant to the Head Coach by Darrin Horn in July 2023. He joined the Northern Kentucky Norse staff after a year's stint as the Head Coach at Wabash Valley College. He helped the head coach in all areas of the program, including recruiting, scouting, and player development. The Norse finished in the semifinals of the Horizon League Tournament at 18-15 overall.

University of Wisconsin (Director of Recruiting and Scouting)

Wodajo was hired as the Director of Recruiting and Scouting for the Wisconsin men's basketball program in June of 2024 by head coach Greg Gard. He is in charge of recruiting oversight, scouting, on-campus visits, and recruit evaluation, while also assisting Greg Gard and the coaching staff with player development, practices, and off campus recruiting.