Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over UT Rio Grande Valley

3. I love Goode’s energy off the bench

As the season progresses, Illinois is trying to find what rotations work and what players are going to be key contributors when the Big Ten season rolls around.

A big part of the rotation development is going to be getting guys healthy. The Illini were missing three starters on Friday night, which is why the game ended up being so close down the stretch.

The core group of players is pretty set as far as playing time goes, but I am looking at who could put in 8-12 minutes each game to help give some of the other main contributors a break throughout the game.

One player I am looking at is Luke Goode.

Goode is a true freshman who lit it up at Homestead High School in northeast Indiana. I didn’t think he would be a contributor in year one, but I think I am going to be wrong on that assumption. Goode has the ability and the energy to be a sparkplug for this Illini program.

On Friday night against UT Rio Grande Valley, Goode gave Illinois some crucial minutes off the bench. He played 18 minutes and put up a stat line of five points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block. He also shot 2-of-6 from the field.

As soon as Goode stepped on the floor, there was a great energy about his game. He hit a big three-point shot. After a big play, Goode was also trying to get the crowds pumped by doing the arm raise wave thing. While he had the energy, he wanted everyone in the crowd and on the floor to feel it too.

Honestly, what Goode did on Friday night reminded me a lot of what Giorgi Bezhanishvili brought to the court for the Illini. There is something about Goode. His play and energy are infectious. That is what I love about this kid.