Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over Michigan

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Mar 2, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andre Curbelo (5) dribbles defended by Michigan Wolverines guard Mike Smith (12) in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Hello Belo!

It is sometimes fun hearing people talk about Illinois who haven’t really watched them play a game this season. One player they are amazed by is Andre Curbelo.

Curbelo is a superstar in the making. Leading up to the past three games, Curbelo wasn’t putting up huge numbers. He was getting the feel of the college game and was learning and developing. Brad Underwood throwing Curbelo to the wolves early on in his career has already started to pay dividends.

Against Nebraska back on February 25, Curbelo put up 10 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists in the first win without Ayo Dosunmu. A great game by the young freshman, but could he keep up the production. The answer was, yes.

Curbelo then went up to Wisconsin and dropped 17 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals in a victory. And the final game of the three-game stretch was Michigan on Tuesday night. Curbelo came off the bench and lit the world on fire. He finished with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists in the win over the Wolverines.

It is crazy how good Curbelo is this early in his career. He is only scratching the surface of the potential he has at the college level. Illinois fans are getting a glimpse of what is to come next season. But, for now, we have this superstar sensation come off the bench. That is a lot of firepower for the Illini.

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