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Illinois Basketball: 3 reasons landing Luke Goode is huge for the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 11: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood signals a play during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 11, 2020, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 11: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood signals a play during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 11, 2020, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 2: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini talks to his team during the first half of their game against the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on January 2, 2020, in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

2. Illinois needs his shooting

When I first heard that Luke Goode was a targeted recruit for the Illini, I was excited. This kid could shoot and will rise in the recruiting rankings. The fact that we landed him for the class of 2021 already gives me even more hope for the future.

Illinois is going to look like a different team when the 2021-2022 season rolls around. The team we just saw this past season, pretty much, won’t be in Champaign anymore. That is why we needed to start building, and Goode is a great player to start with.

I see Goode playing the No. 2, 3 or even 4 at times for the Illini. Underwood likes to go small a lot, so the fact we snagged a versatile player like Goode is huge. Illinois has a lot of departing talent at these positions too.

Just looking at the roster right now, Trent Frazier and Da’Monte Williams will both depart the program by then. Illinois will have some help with Austin Hutcherson and Jacob Grandison both being seniors, though. I am not sure how long Adam Miller will last with the Illini. He is coming in from the class of 2020 and will provide depth at the No. 2, 3 or 4 as well.

But, beyond that, Illinois needed more shooting. I could see Goode getting the nod year one purely based on need. His shooting talent will earn him that spot as well, though. This was a huge pick up for the Orange and Blue and one that will pay dividends on the scoreboard.

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