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Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini loss to Loyola-Chicago

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 21, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jacob Grandison (3) and guard Andre Curbelo (5) and guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) walk off the court after their loss to the Loyola Ramblers in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Loyola Ramblers won 71-58. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jacob Grandison (3) and guard Andre Curbelo (5) and guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) walk off the court after their loss to the Loyola Ramblers in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Loyola Ramblers won 71-58. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andre Curbelo (5) and Loyola (Il) Ramblers guard Marquise Kennedy (12) fight for a loose ball during the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 21, 2021, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andre Curbelo (5) and Loyola (Il) Ramblers guard Marquise Kennedy (12) fight for a loose ball during the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 21, 2021, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports /

2. Andre Curbelo is clearly the future

It was a tough loss that no one wants to ever remember. I can’t wait to get this game as far in the past as possible. I also can’t wait for the future. The star is shining so bright for Andre Curbelo and the Illini.

Curbelo seemed like one of the few players to have any energy against Loyola-Chicago on Sunday. He was exactly what the Illini needed, and I believe he was one of the reasons we didn’t lose that game by 20 points or more.

The star freshman came off the bench for the Illini and finished with 9 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds and 1 steal. While he did have four turnovers on the day, Curbelo still had a good game. He was 4-of-5 from the field as well.

In postseason play alone, which includes the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA tournament, Curbelo averaged 10.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Those are numbers that I look for from a seasoned starter, let alone someone who is in his freshman campaign.

I think every Illinois fan can agree, Curbelo has a tremendous future coming up. This kid has shown why he was a top 50 recruit nationally. His ability to kickstart the team and help rally the troops is something I haven’t seen in a long time. Curbelo is not only a great basketball player, but he is a legendary leader of men.

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