When he entered the game, no one noticed. A couple of claps followed the announcement of his name and number, but otherwise, it was just another sub in another slow start for Indiana men’s basketball.
But when he returned to the bench, the Hoosier faithful responded. The claps and cheers reached levels the arena failed to return to for the rest of the night, a token of gratitude recognizing what they had just witnessed.
That was what senior forward Luke Goode brought for Indiana off the bench against Sam Houston State University on Tuesday night — a performance worthy of the raucous cheers. His 18 points on 5-of-7 3-point shooting propelled the Hoosiers over the Bearkats in their 97-71 victory inside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
“We been shooting the three ball pretty well — Goode is a big part of it,” head coach Mike Woodson said postgame. “That was one of the reasons we went out to recruit him. Tonight it showed big time for us.”
A slow start for Indiana almost seemed expected following its dismal performance at Battle 4 Atlantis last week. When Goode entered the game, the Hoosiers were tied at 7 with the Bearkats, already having committed three turnovers.
Goode’s start wasn’t particularly fast either. It took four and a half minutes for the Fort Wayne, Indiana, native to score his first basket — a 3-pointer that opened the floodgates on his career performance.
The first triple was followed by a fastbreak a minute and 28 seconds later. Then came another one a minute later. Then another a minute and 23 seconds later, awakening a spotty, half-asleep crowd of Hoosier fans.
Goode, almost single-handedly, turned a once tied game on its head. As he exited with 4:10 remaining in the first half, Indiana led 36-16.
It wasn’t only his points that led to the burst in scoring. Sam Houston State was forced to defend him tougher, creating lanes for redshirt sophomore Myles Rice to attack downhill while also freeing up junior forward Malik Reneau for open baskets.
“It was good to see shots go down,” Goode said. “Being able to see some go down at home is definitely great for the confidence, and I think everybody benefits. ... It helps the whole team when I'm able to hit shots.”
It hasn’t been perfect for Goode so far this season. Entering Tuesday, he had not scored more than two 3-pointers in a game and had yet to score in double figures. His 28.6% shooting from behind the arc was significantly lower than his average of 38.9% last season.
A 28-point victory over a squad ranked 165th in the NCAA men’s basketball NET rankings is expected for Indiana. But to see a response so drastic from its bench, led by Goode, is encouraging.
Woodson-led Indiana teams have historically struggled from 3-point range. The highest season 3-point percentage since he took over was 37% in the 2022-23 season, while only managing 33.9% in 2021-22 and 32.4% in 2023-24.
Goode was an obvious fix for that, transferring to Indiana after three years at Illinois. Even through eight games, his natural feel for shooting around the perimeter is noticeable.
Nothing better encapsulates that than Goode’s fifth and final 3-pointer. Rounding around a screen, he received a pass near the 3-point line, but his feet were clearly inside the arc. Noticing that, Goode took a small dribble to collect his composure, step behind the line and drill a 3-point basket.
Shooting may be Goode’s most noticeable skill he brings to the table. But his leadership and communication on defense are just as valuable.
It’s the simple things for Goode. After drilling one of his 3-pointers in the first half, he secured a physical defensive rebound, delivered the outlet pass to Trey Galloway and when the fifth-year senior guard was fouled, sprinted to help him up.
When sophomore forward Mackenzie Mgbako drilled a practice 3-pointer well after the whistle was blown, Goode was the first to congratulate him with a head nod and high five. Every huddle after a stoppage in play is led by Goode, no matter the circumstance.
Goode also brings experience to the table, having played in an NCAA Tournament Elite Eight for the Fighting Illini just last season. That’s where Indiana wants to be this season, competing against top teams in March Madness.
The talent is clearly there with this Hoosier squad. Goode said he believes it’s one of the most talented teams in the country. But leadership, defense and perimeter shooting are necessary traits to bring into March.
Which is exactly why consistent performances from Goode will be invaluable for Indiana’s success this season.
Follow reporters Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) and Quinn Richards (@Quinn_richa) and columnist Mateo Fuentes-Rohwer (@mateo_frohwer) for updates throughout the Indiana men’s basketball season.
