Illinois Basketball: Luke Goode adds height at the wing for the Illini

Get a glimpse of the four-star shooting guard from Indiana, who committed to the Illinois basketball program in April as the first piece of the 2021 class.

Luke Goode took a major step toward the completion of Illinois’ rebuild, becoming the first commit for the class of 2021.

Goode, a four-star recruit, brings his 6-foot-5 frame to Champaign, as he is currently enrolled at Homestead High School just outside of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He led his team with 14.9 points per game and was a key contributor in Homestead’s 16-9 season.

Goode also had offers from Maryland, Iowa, Butler and Michigan State, to name a few. However, he ultimately decided to join Brad Underwood and Co., staying close to home and becoming another priority recruit for the Big Ten’s most improved team.

Goode follows an important 2020 class, which included Andre Curbelo, Adam Miller, and Coleman Hawkins. It’s safe to say that Goode will fit right into a program that is only getting younger. Similar to Trent Frazier, Goode provides a well-versed ability to shoot, guard the perimeter and play hard at the No. 2 or No. 3 positions.

“Basketball was truly my first love,” Goode told The Herald Review. “I always tell people that I love basketball and I like football. I’ve always grown up loving basketball and playing on an AAU team all summer, I always put my time into basketball development instead of football development. It’s kind of been the most fun sport that I enjoy the most.”

Illinois fans should feel hopeful for a bright future, as the team is coming off its best season in 15 years.