Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini against Chattanooga

3. Does Curbelo make an impact?

I continue to complain about Brad Underwood’s lack of freshman usage. That is not going to stop until he actually uses the young guys. There was one player who Underwood did use off the bench against the Hoosiers, though.

Underwood played Andre Curbelo for 28 minutes against Indiana. He received, by far, the most minutes among bench players for the Illini. I don’t disagree with using Curbelo either. I think the kid brings so much energy and ability to the court. He has such a bright future.

But Curbelo didn’t shoot well in the Big Ten Tournament. He finished the game with five points, 10 rebounds, and four assists while shooting 1-of-7 from the field. I don’t think this was his worst game ever, but his lack of ability to shoot the ball hurt the team.

That leaves me with the question, does Curbelo make an impact in the game against Chattanooga? I think he is going to need to make an impact if Illinois wants to win the game.

I want Curbelo to still get minutes. I don’t mind him getting the 28 minutes he received against Indiana. Honestly, he probably should be starting in place of Da’Monte Williams. But Curbelo is going to need to be able to finish at the hoop. If he can’t finish and gets fouled, then he needs to make his foul shots.

Curbelo has all of the talent in the world. I think he is a true superstar in the making. But going 3-of-7 from the charity stripe was brutal. He is able to draw those fouls, which is a talent, but he needs to make his dang free throws.