Archie Goodwin has accumulated four years of experience in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), aiding the consistent contender Eberlein Drive in reaching the semifinals last summer. This year, however, he eagerly accepted the opportunity to join La Familia, aiming for another chance to achieve Kentucky Basketball greatness.
Since 2021, Goodwin has been a part of Eberlein Drive, one of the two surviving teams from the tournament’s first season. Last summer, he played a pivotal role in their semifinal journey, which ended in defeat against the Forever Coogs, the alumni team from Houston. Goodwin’s time at Kentucky didn’t meet his expectations—following Nerlens Noel’s injury, the team did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament—but he is excited to reconnect with Big Blue Nation and seek redemption.
“It holds significant value for me. My experience in 2012 was quite inconsistent. The way that season ended left many fans viewing our team in a particular light. I feel that being part of that team and returning now provides us a chance to redeem ourselves and reshape their perception if we can come close to winning,” Goodwin expressed.
While he acknowledges that La Familia’s tournament is not the NCAA, he sees it as a competitive platform with the opportunity to earn recognition for the Kentucky program. “You’re facing other professionals, and winning still carries weight. It’s a significant contest under the Kentucky banner,” he stated.
Goodwin believes that had Noel not sustained a torn ACL during the Florida game in February 2013, Kentucky would have qualified for the tournament. He understands the concerns of fans, especially after a season that followed immediately after their national championship win, where they only reached the NIT.
“I reflect on my time at Kentucky with a balanced perspective. There were peaks and valleys. It’s widely recognized that our season would have been different if Nerlens hadn’t been hurt. However, I’m also aware of what we had after his injury, and I try to maintain a hopeful outlook,” Goodwin remarked.
La Familia is set to face Stroh’s Squad in their TBT opener at Memorial Coliseum, with plans for further advancement if they win. Goodwin notes the importance of home-court support, stating, “I anticipate our fans to show up strong, as they always do. We’re determined to play hard and earn their support without fail.”
