Illinois Basketball Transfer Wing Commits to Big Ten Rival

Originally posted on Armchair Illini | By Alex Kyi | Last updated 4/26/24

Illinois Basketball Transfer Wing Commits to Big Ten Rival

Illinois Basketball lost their most experienced, veteran player to the transfer portal. This week, Luke Goode announced that he will be entering the transfer portal as a graduate student. This means that Illinois Basketball will essentially be replacing their entire scoring output from a team that went to the Elite Eight. To most fan’s disappointment, Luke Goode just announced that he will be staying in the Big Ten Conference. The Senior sharpshooter will suit up for Big Ten Rival, Indiana. Mike Woodson and Indiana have also gone all-in on the transfer portal. Last year, Woodson added a very talented group, however, the pieces did not fit very well together.

Woodson and his Hoosiers need shooting in the most desperate way, Goode will provide that. The rising senior shot 38.9 percent from the 3-point line and will help Indiana in a big way.

All Roads Lead HOME!! ⚪️ @IndianaMBB pic.twitter.com/kpwWsk4fH3

— Luke Goode (@lukegoode10) April 26, 2024

Impact?

Goode had his limitations, however, there is value in having a culture guy who has been with the program for multiple years. Despite Terrence Shannon Jr blossoming into the alpha all-American his second year, he simply was not comfortable in that role in his first year.

It is extremely difficult to ask a newcomer to be an alpha and a leader on a team of unknowns. Ty Rodgers, Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn, and Nico Moretti are the only returning players from last year. Despite the undeniable talent upgrade that the transfer portal has brought in, it is definitely valid to have concerns about the leadership and continuity of this Illinois Basketball squad. Regardless, Brad Underwood’s resume suggests that he will figure this out. He will find a way to put this all together and have Illinois back in the top half of the Big Ten.