Tuesday evening will be Luke Goode’s lone chance to face his former team as Indiana welcomes Illinois to Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
The 6-7 Goode, a two-time Academic All-Big Ten performer, was one of six players to appear in all 38 games during the Illini’s run to the 2024 Elite 8. He averaged 5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds in 20.2 minutes per game. He shot 38.9% (61-of-157) from behind the 3-point line and made 1.6 triples per game. In three seasons in Champaign, Goode appeared in 76 career games for Illinois and made seven starts.
On Monday, Illinois coach Brad Underwood was asked what it will be like to see Goode in the opposing uniform.
“You know what, no one loves Luke Goode more than I do,” Underwood said. “And you know Luke was a special part of this program, will always be a special part of this program. There was no one any more coachable, there was no one that made any more improvement.
“He was a part of two (Big Ten) championships, he was a part of three NCAA tournaments and an integral part of them.
“A guy that was starting his sophomore year and breaks his foot and then rehabs and recovers and does everything that he can do to come back and help his team.
“The the thing about Luke is not only is he a really good player, but an even better teammate.
“Guys make decisions for various reasons and whatever that is, but you know Luke’s always one of my guys. I
always look at him that way, he graduated from the School of Business in three years, outstanding student, outstanding person, outstanding family.
“Yeah, it’ll look different seeing him run up and down and probably make a few balls, but you know Luke’s still an Illini to me.”
Goode grew up in Fort Wayne, Ind. and was part of an IU family. His father played football at IU, along with his uncle, quarterback Trent Green. Then IU coach Archie Miller didn’t offer Goode a spot on the team coming out of high school.
When he signed with Indiana in April, Goode spoke with The Daily Hoosier about his thoughts on Illinois and his decision to transfer following the 2023-24 season.
I have no problems with Illinois. The coaching staff has been nothing but great to me and my family. I think everybody assumes the worst with the transfer portal. But my situation, truthfully, was I graduated from the school and it was just me looking for another opportunity. And that’s all it is. I’ll never say anything bad about Illinois. I had great opportunities there and a great time there. Two championships and an Elite Eight. So I’ve done a lot, and most important I got my degree. It wasn’t a falling out or anything bad behind it. It was just me looking for a new opportunity.
Brad Underwood’s full Monday media Q&A is below:
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