Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from Illini victory over Northwestern

4. Andre Curbelo is a bull in a china shop

Wow, Andre Curbelo has turned into one of the most, well, I am not sure what adjective to use here.

I am going to go with; Curbelo is the most frustrating player on the Illinois basketball roster. Now, I know this sounds like I am annoyed with him or something like that, but that isn’t the case at all. I see the potential in this kid, that is why when he does bad things, it is so frustrating.

When Curbelo is out on the court, he gives 110-percent. That is cliché but it is on the money. This kid is giving it his all every second of the game. Against Northwestern on Tuesday night, Curbelo finished the game with 2 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. His hustle is a big reason why he can clean up on the glass with seven rebounds.

I also loved the dish Curbelo had to Da’Monte Williams late in the game against the Wildcats. The vision Curbelo displays isn’t taught. This kid has a special vision and will be a huge asset down the road.

But then there is the bad. Curbelo had two turnovers, but it always seems like more considering he is wild with the ball at times. He goes into situations with zero plan of action and improvises, probably, a little too much.

I want to see Brad Underwood continue to play Curbelo for around 20 minutes per game. He is the future of this program, so I don’t want to stunt his growth as a player. By the start of next season, it wouldn’t shock me to see Curbelo as one of the best players, if not the best player, on the Illinois roster.