The transfer and the freshman have stood out in the Hoosiers’ practices, per Jon Rothstein.
It’s only September and we’re already getting “whispers” out of college basketball practices.
CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein tweeted Saturday that two Indiana men’s basketball newcomers, Illinois transfer forward Luke Goode and freshman wing Bryson Tucker, have stood out for the Hoosiers so far:
Well embedded moles in Bloomington have sent word that Illinois transfer Luke Goode and freshman Bryson Tucker have both stood out for Indiana. Both will be in the guts of the Hoosiers’ rotation.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) September 14, 2024
Goode joined the Hoosiers this offseason after spending the first three years of his career with the Illini. A native of Fort Wayne, Goode has plenty of family ties to Indiana but never received a scholarship offer from former head coach Archie Miller as a recruit.
He had a reputation as a sharpshooter from deep in high school and carried that into Champaign where he’s shot 37.2%, 42.1% and 38.9% from 3-point range. Indiana needed that this offseason and it seems Goode looks the part.
But it’s not like he’s just a shooter. Goode gets after the ball and is an excellent rebounder for his position and usage, something else the Hoosiers needed.
Tucker was a late commitment in the 2024 cycle out of Bishop O’Connell High School, Xavier Johnson’s alma mater, in Arlington, Virginia. A true wing, Tucker has a nice offensive game and gets to his spots, particularly in the midrange.
His commitment drew some national ire because he “wasn’t a shooter” but if you tune into the tape that notion doesn’t hold up. He probably won’t come in and hit 40% as a freshman but you feel good about him taking those shots if he’s open.
Both will provide some much needed depth and lineup flexibility as Indiana looks to return to the NCAA Tournament next March.