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Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini against Penn State

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 26, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) runs up court during the second half against the Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) runs up court during the second half against the Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andre Curbelo (5) dribbles the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions guard Izaiah Brockington (12) defends during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center. Illinois defeated Penn State 98-81. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andre Curbelo (5) dribbles the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions guard Izaiah Brockington (12) defends during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center. Illinois defeated Penn State 98-81. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

2. What is the plan with Curbelo?

I believe the Illinois basketball team has an All-Big Ten caliber point guard sitting on the bench and playing reserve minutes.

Andre Curbelo is a special player. Has he been bad at times throughout his career? Sure, but the kid is still developing and hasn’t had consistent playing time, especially this season. Now that he is finally healthy and playing, it is time to move him back into the starting lineup.

In the last game against Michigan, Curbelo played 20 minutes and finished with 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists. While he did have four turnovers, he is able to make up for his mistakes on the defensive end of the court, and there is one intangible that makes him the most valuable.

Curbelo is a player who makes the Illinois basketball team flow. He is someone who can communicate on defense and has great command of the offense. When he is off of the floor, Illinois’ guards can get stagnant. They don’t drive enough. Curbelo is someone who can penetrate the opposing defense.

A big question I have against Penn State is what will be the plan with Curbelo? I know what I want the Illini to do with him, but what is Brad Underwood going to do?

I think keeping Curbelo on the bench is a mistake. He is someone who can help this team win games right now. My fear is that he rides the pine the rest of the season and only gets 15-20 minutes per game. After the year, he then transfers. That is my biggest fear. I hope I am just crazy.

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