BLOOMINGTON, IN — The energy inside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall reached a fever pitch as news broke that Luke Goode, the star forward and Fort Wayne native, has decided to return to Bloomington for one more season. This unexpected announcement has electrified the Indiana Hoosiers’ fan base and sent waves of optimism through the college basketball world.
Goode, known for his sharp shooting, hustle, and leadership on and off the court, made the announcement during a special appearance at Assembly Hall. Fans erupted into cheers as Goode, wearing the familiar crimson and cream, declared his intentions to give it “one more run” with the Hoosiers. In a heartfelt statement, he emphasized his love for Indiana, the fans, and the unfinished business that brought him back.
“I’ve thought long and hard about this decision,” Goode said. “And I realized that my heart is still here. There’s nothing like playing in front of Hoosier Nation, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got for one final season.”
Head coach Darian DeVries, entering his second year at the helm of the Hoosiers, was quick to express his excitement. DeVries has been praised for instilling a culture of toughness, discipline, and team-first basketball, and he made it clear that Goode’s return is a game-changer.
“We’re building something special here,” DeVries said. “Luke Goode isn’t just a great player — he’s a leader, a competitor, and a person who represents everything that Indiana basketball stands for. I’ve promised to make him a centerpiece of what we do this season, and I believe he’s going to have his best year yet.”
Goode’s return comes at a pivotal time for Indiana basketball. After a rollercoaster 2024–25 campaign that saw flashes of brilliance but ended in a disappointing second-round NCAA Tournament exit, the Hoosiers were in need of a steadying force and proven contributor. Goode, with his experience and deep knowledge of Big Ten play, fits the bill perfectly.
The 6’7” forward is coming off a season where he averaged 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and shot over 40% from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and play within a team system makes him a valuable asset in DeVries’ motion-heavy offense. With several younger players expected to take on larger roles, Goode’s presence will also be invaluable as a mentor and leader.
Indiana fans are hopeful that Goode’s return could be the missing piece in a deep tournament run. With a talented incoming freshman class, key returning players, and now a seasoned veteran like Goode rejoining the fold, expectations are sky-high.
“Indiana basketball is back,” shouted one enthusiastic fan outside Assembly Hall. “Luke coming back gives us a real shot. He’s one of us — a hometown kid who bleeds cream and crimson.”
The Hoosiers are expected to open the season ranked within the top 25, and Goode’s return could boost their preseason profile even higher. While there are still questions to be answered — including how the rotation will shake out and who will emerge as the team’s primary ball-handler — one thing is certain: Luke Goode’s decision to come back has reignited dreams of cutting down nets in March.
As practice ramps up this summer, all eyes in Bloomington will be on #10, the hometown hero who chose legacy over the lure of the professional ranks. His return is more than a basketball decision — it’s a story of loyalty, grit, and the unbreakable bond between a player and his state. And for Hoosier Nation, that’s a story worth cheering for.