The future of the Illinois basketball program is extremely bright, and a big reason for this is the fact the class of 2021 is so talented.
I broke down how the non-conference went for Brandin Podziemski just a day ago, and his fellow freshman, Luke Goode, is right in line with Podziemski as far as progression is concerned.
Goode was a top 100 recruit out of Homestead High School. He is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, which is a recruiting land that Illinois is not familiar with. But Goode ended up picking the Illini, and it is looking like a great choice thus far.
Like most freshmen, my expectations are not tremendously high, but I am starting to adjust them as I see more and more of Goode on the court.
Goode has everything I want in a freshman for the Illinois basketball program.
Hustle and Aggression
I don’t want to get this misconstrued. I think everyone on the Illinois basketball team hustles. Brad Underwood has this team playing hard, and I love every second of it. But there is something about Goode and the way he attacks the ball that I notice more.
Goode is someone who does all of the little things well. He sets screens with proper technique. He is fundamental when rebounding. He knows how to close out. You then add in the hustle he has rebounding and diving for the basketball, and instantly, he becomes a fan favorite.
You can’t teach hustle and hard work. Goode brings both of those to the table. This kid was plucked out of the 1980s and dropped into today’s game.
Shooting Ability
Underwood clearly trusts Goode on the court. He is getting 10.5 minutes per game, and most of those minutes are meaningful.
A part of Underwood’s trust comes from what I mentioned above with hustle and aggression, but some of that trust also comes from the fact that when Goode needs to score, he can come through for the program.
Goode doesn’t shoot often – attempting just 2.5 shots per game – but the kid is hitting 40% from the field and an outstanding 40% from three-point range. When Illinois needs a shot, Goode can deliver.
Overall
I didn’t have high expectations for Goode coming into the season, but his non-conference has shown me this kid has a really bright future.
I would say Goode has slightly exceeded my expectations so far. His non-conference was solid, and he has proven he can be a mainstay in the rotation for the upcoming Big Ten slate. Look for him to really blossom in the coming weeks and months.