By now you should know how this story goes. The primary premise is that Indiana University men's basketball is not only all caps DEEP, but this program is all caps BACK. Now, the former scapegoat for a sad 2023-2024 season has become the present savior for what is shaping up to be a bounce back year for Mike Woodson and this team.
It was no secret that this was a team in dire need of shooting, and the addition of 6'7" sniper Luke Goode from Illinois should help quiet that banter. In his first 3 collegiate campaigns, Fort Wayne's finest tickled the twine on an impressive 38.8% of his 2.9 attempts per game. If you are concerned about that volume, please note that he connected on 38.9% of his 4.1 attempts from deep per game in 2023-2024.
Still concerned? Take a moment to take in just how pretty his jumper looks every single time the ball is flung from his fingertips.
If those bullet points are not enough to sway your level of convincing, then Goode's high quality character should do the trick in the art of persuasion.
What was Luke Goode promised by #iubb in terms of playing time?
— Mike Schumann @ The Daily Hoosier (@daily_hoosier) April 30, 2024
"That’s stuff I really don’t ask about. My mentality is, it is earned."
Here's our full Q&A with with the newest Hoosier:https://t.co/3oDvDFdZI3
Goode is simply ecstatic to be a Hoosier, and he clearly understands that he will have no shortage of competition for court time within this re-decorated depth chart next season. His ability to space the floor should certainly spell some minutes for him early on, but if he is not hitting his shots then there is a good chance he could quickly fall out of a quietly crowded rotation.
With those things in mind, here is what the updated depth chart could/should look like following the official signing of Luke Goode.
PG | Myles Rice (6'3", 180 lbs | Sophomore), Gabe Cupps (6'2", 175 lbs | Sophomore)
SG | Trey Galloway (6'5", 205 lbs | Senior), Kanaan Carlyle (6'3", 185 lbs | Sophomore), Jakai Newton (6'3", 205 lbs | Sophomore)
SF | Mackenzie Mgbako (6'8", 220 lbs), Bryson Tucker (6'7", 185 lbs | Freshman), Anthony Leal (6'5", 200 lbs | Senior)
PF | Malik Reneau (6'9", 235 lbs | Junior), Luke Goode (6'7", 210 lbs | Senior)
C | Oumar Ballo (7'0", 260 lbs | Senior)
While he more than likely (perhaps even certainly) will not be a member of the starting unit to kickoff the campaign, his jumpshot could land him in Mike Woodson's closing unit on some (most?) nights. The idea of shifting Malik Reneau down to the 5 spot with Goode and Mackenzie Mgbako flanking him on the wings and any 2-man backcourt assortment of Trey Galloway/Myles Rice/Kanaan Carlyle/Bryson Tucker/Gabe Cupps/Jakai Newton/Anthony Leal gives off highly dangerous vibes on paper.
Goode's commitment to Indiana may not have been Mike Woodson's first pickup of the offseason, nor will it be his last. However, in time this could very easily turn out to be the most crucial acquisition of the summer for an Indiana men's basketball team with it's sight set on redemption.
Welcome to the family, Luke!