Preseason routine boosts Luke Goode's breakout season with Illinois basketball

Illinois basketball player Luke Goode breaks out of shooting slump with career-high points. Quincy Guerrier and Niccolo Moretti are healthy.

Luke Goode had been struggling with his shooting, but he was able to break out of his slump in a big way in the game against Purdue. He scored a career-high 16 points in the Illini's loss to the Boilermakers, which was a new high for his career season. He has been averaging a career-high 7.6 points and shooting 41.4% from 3-point range.

The confidence he gained can be attributed to a new routine he implemented in the preseason. After struggling to shoot the ball during their Spain trip, he decided that he wanted to develop a consistent routine to help him feel good about himself before games and have confidence in his shot. This routine, which he does before practice with assistant Tyler Underwood and Illinois managers, has helped make him the Illini's consistent deadeye shooter and a "gravity player" who helps make the team's offense tick.

After a brief shooting slump, Goode leaned on that process before hitting his stride again. He has continued to be a consistent player on both ends of the floor, and his gravity has helped the offense open up for Marcus Domask, who earned Big Ten and AP national player of the week honors last week after a pair of standout performances.

Quincy Guerrier, who suffered a reinjury of his wrist in the team's loss to Purdue, has recovered and will be good to go Thursday. Niccolo Moretti, who has been out since November, could also provide backcourt depth relief as he has returned to practice and is progressing through recovery from his foot injury.

There's no change in Terrence Shannon Jr.'s status as of now. His suspension has been upheld by the university panel, so he is currently suspended indefinitely. The trial to determine whether his restraining order will be put in place will be on Friday.

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