Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini against Notre Dame

4. Does Underwood continue using Goode?

Some of the healthy players will be returning soon. That means there will be fewer minutes distributed among the program.

Against Notre Dame, Illinois is going to need to unleash all of the weapons they have on the roster. One weapon that is starting to emerge is Luke Goode.

Goode has dealt with some back issues this season, but it seems that he could end up being an important piece for the Illini. Goode played an average of 15 minutes in each of the first two games this season, but then he only played one minute in the following three contests.

This past Friday night against UT Rio Grande Valley, Goode was called upon to perform off the bench. Illinois was shorthanded, and Brad Underwood trusted the true freshman to help put points on the board. Goode didn’t disappoint.

Goode ended up playing 18 minutes and put up five points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block while hitting 2-of-6 from the field. His production was exactly what the Illini needed.

I am going to keep an eye on if Goode has earned even more trust from Underwood. I think if we see Goode early on against Notre Dame, then Underwood clearly trusts him. This will be something to watch for on Monday night.