Illinois Basketball: 3 options for the Illini to replace Andre Curbelo

Option 2 – Big Commitment

The worst-case scenario is the one that is in concrete. Illinois basketball is going to have Jayden Epps at guard this season, and that should give Illini Nation some comfort. But I am excited about the possibility of the best-case scenario.

In this option, Illinois has Epps, but we also add incoming freshman, Skyy Clark. Clark is a 6-foot-3, 200-pound point guard who is rated as a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 27 player in the class of 2022. He is also the No. 5 point guard in the nation and the No. 7 player coming out of Florida.

Clark was once committed to Kentucky but backed away from that pledge on March 6. Since Clark reopened his recruitment, many teams have been after him including Illinois. I believe the Illini have done multiple visits with the five-star, and we are rumored to be a favorite to land him for next season.

It also looks like Clark received an Illinois offer this past Sunday, so hopefully, things are starting to move on this recruitment a little bit.

With option two, this gives Illinois both talent and depth at point guard. I would have Clark starting for the Illini at the No. 1 spot this upcoming season. When needed, Epps would come in as a backup to Clark. Epps would also play a lot at the No. 2 guard spot. He would technically be a backup in year one, but I see Epps getting 20-25 minutes in each game as a player who can play multiple roles.

The potential of this option is real. It has me extremely excited to see what the offseason is going to bring the Orange and Blue. If this option happens, look for the Illini to have one of the most exciting teams in program history in 2022-23.