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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win against Michigan

By Rees Woodcock

Feb 27, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Omar Payne (4) and Iguard Jacob Grandison (3) box out Michigan Wolverines forward Moussa Diabate (14) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Omar Payne (4) and Iguard Jacob Grandison (3) box out Michigan Wolverines forward Moussa Diabate (14) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois basketball
Jan 17, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andre Curbelo (5) reacts to a fouled called against him during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Curbelo is emerging as a starting candidate

Do you know what is amazing; having an All-American caliber guard coming off the bench and leading the Illinois basketball team.

That is what the Illini have with Andre Curbelo. The talented guard came back from a concussion and COVID this season and has done whatever the coaching staff has wanted him to do. This is a starting guard for every team in the country, but he is willing to come off the bench to help the Illini.

Curbelo had another good game on Sunday. He would finish his 20 minutes of action with 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists while going 5-of-7 from the field. His four turnovers still need some adjusting, but Curbelo can make up for his mistakes.

There was one time he had an ugly turnover right to a Michigan defender. Did Curbelo give up on the play? No, he ran back and made a great defensive stop on the Wolverines. He is a smart player who pushes the boundaries of what is a great pass and a risky pass.

I honestly believe the Illinois basketball team flows better with Curbelo on the court as well. He makes the offense functional with his probing and entry passes. He is also an underrated defender. There were multiple times against Michigan where Curbelo impressed me on the defensive end of the court.

While I love Curbelo as a spark plug, I would like to see him starting. I would imagine, judging by Da’Monte Williams only getting 17 minutes, that Curbelo could see his starting job back sooner than later.

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