Luke Goode and Skyy Clark: two former Illini who most Illinois basketball fans feel markedly different about following their tenure in Champaign. Goode departed Illinois after graduating with a degree in three years, while Clark decided to leave the program halfway through his first season and transfer to play at Louisville last year.

What do they have in common though? Both Goode and Clark are playing for other Big Ten teams this year: Indiana and UCLA, respectively, who landed the former Illini in the transfer portal. Here’s what Indiana head coach Mike Woodson and UCLA head coach Mick Cronin had to say about each player at 2024 Big Ten Media Day as they head into the 2024-25 season.

Mike Woodson on Luke Goode:

“Gallo (Indiana guard Trey Galloway) had his list of guys, and we struck out on some of his guys, but the one guy he did have on the list was Goode, Luke. We didn’t make any moves on Luke until he decided he wanted to go in the portal. … Brad (Underwood) did a hell of a job with him at Illinois. They won there. I think he won a Big Ten title under Brad. He brings leadership, experience, which we need. Myles (Rice) and Kanaan (Carlyle) and Bryson (Tucker) and Gabe (Cupps), Jakai (Newton) — these guys are all young players. You’re gonna need leadership at the top to direct traffic to make sure that they’re doing what they’re supposed to do.” 

Mick Cronin on Skyy Clark:

“I’ve known Skyy since he was in ninth grade. He went to Heritage Christian in the San Fernando Valley. I know him well, I know he can score. His form has really improved. I think he has a chance to be a great shooter. He can really shoot the ball. He’s not gonna have to do as much as he did offensively for Louisville, but he’s gonna have to do a lot more defensively to play for me. But just a great kid. We go way back, and I know he’s happy to be home. We need his offense.”

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