Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini vs Northwestern

4. Does Andre Curbelo get the starting nod?

Let me say, I like Andre Curbelo as a spark plug off the bench. It is exciting to see him come in and give the program a burst of energy. He is a little crazy at times, but I like a little crazy.

Against Purdue, Curbelo received 21 minutes off the bench and put up 15 points, two rebounds, and one steal. In that amount of time, he outscored Trent Frazier, Da’Monte Williams, and Jacob Grandison who all had a combined 12 points in 82 minutes.

With that being said, I don’t think Illinois can afford to have Curbelo coming off the bench anymore. He is one of the best players on the team, and I think we have to have that type of talent in the starting rotation.

It is going to be painful because this kid has been extremely good shooting the ball for most of the season, but I think you have to send Grandison back to the bench. This would give Illinois a dynamite sixth man who can shoot the three-point shot at a high clip. I am all-in on that idea.

Curbelo brings so much to the Illinois basketball program. He commands the attention of the defenders, which opens up his teammates for shots. Curbelo’s ability to penetrate the defense is invaluable and is missing in the Illini lineup. Everyone would benefit from having Curbelo starting once again.

So, the big question is will Underwood make the move and start Curbelo? The kid is easily one of the best players on the team. We just got hammered by Purdue with Curbelo scoring more than three starters. Make the move Brad.