Illinois Basketball: My dream class of 2021 for the Illini

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 15: Illinois Fighting Illini fans slap the floor as they try to distract a free throw during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Assembly Hall on February 15, 2012 in Champaign, Illinois. Purdue defeated Illinois 67-62. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Luke Goode – Committed

The most obvious player in the class of 2021 is who I will put first. Luke Goode is currently the lone commitment for next year and is one of the most surprising gets for the program in recent memory.

A 6-foot-5, 175-pound small forward, Goode had a variety of nearby powerhouse programs eyeing him. Hailing from Homestead High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Goode had a strong chance at ending up with a team like Indiana, Purdue or even Michigan State. Those three programs, along with Ohio State at times, have a traditional stronghold on northeast Indiana.

Brad Underwood didn’t want to hear about traditions, though. He started recruiting Goode from day one and the hard work and relationship building paid off. Goode pledged his commitment to the Illini back on April 17 and hasn’t wavered since.

The size Goode brings to the table is exciting, but his shooting ability is what really jumps off the page. Career averages of 35-percent from three-point range and 76-percent from the free throw line are only trumped by his 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game Goode put up as a junior.

As a senior, Goode will look to build upon his 16-9 record and sectional championship defeat from the year before. This kid has the talent to take his Homestead team to great heights.

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