Archie Goodwin's redemption tour hits a heartbreakingly sour note

Redemption denied: Archie Goodwin’s TBT journey ends

For a few brief nights in July, Archie Goodwin was back in the Kentucky spotlight—and for once, it felt like the story might finally go his way.

La Familia was built on legacy. A team of former Wildcats with something to prove, playing in The Basketball Tournament not just for the money, but for pride. Goodwin, who had openly reflected on his turbulent one-and-done season in Lexington, was at the heart of it. He hit the game-winner in the Round of 32. He spoke candidly about maturity and regret. He was locked in, playing some of the best basketball of his post-UK career.

And then came the Sweet 16—and a matchup with Eberlein Drive, the team Archie once suited up for.

La Familia fought tooth and nail. Goodwin led the way with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and a team-high 6 assists in 36 minutes. He was aggressive early and often, slashing to the rim and taking on defenders. He got help from Kahlil Whitney, who poured in 18 points off the bench, and the ever-efficient Willie Cauley-Stein, who went 6-for-6 from the floor.

It wasn’t pretty, but it was physical. The teams traded leads throughout, and by the time the Elam Ending kicked in with a target score of 71, it was a one-possession game.

Then, a gut punch.

With the score at 69–68, Cauley-Stein went down and couldn’t shoot free throws after being fouled. By TBT rules, the opposing team picked his replacement. They chose Goodwin.

He hit the first. Game point.

The second clanged off.

Seconds later, Eberlein Drive’s Gabe York missed a three that was rebounded by Anthony Clemmons. Then York—cold most of the game—rose up again, only to miss and chase down his own rebound. He found Clemmons at the top of the key who drained a 3. Final: 71–70. Just like that, La Familia’s run was over. Goodwin dropped to the scorer’s table, head in hands, consoled by teammates as the final buzzer echoed.

Redemption doesn’t always arrive neatly packaged. Goodwin gave everything, and for a moment, he looked like the star he was always supposed to be. But it all ended on a sour note.

Will he be back next summer? That’s up to Archie.

But Big Blue Nation will be waiting.