Actually, in preseason it was a valid debate whether Illinois’ Andre Curbelo or Purdues Jaden Ivey would be the best guard in the Big Ten. The two sophomores were supposed to be in the same class, but Ivey and Curbelo had completely opposite 2021-22 seasons. Ivey erupted tremendously for Purdue and became an undisputed lottery winner and All-American. Curbelo hit his head on the ground in an exhibition match and that was the start of an agonizing second campaign. Curbelo missed 14 games with concussion-related symptoms. Getting back on the ground had a few brilliant moments but a lot more headaches. He was benched for the entire second half of Illinois’ 68-53 loss to Houston in the Round of 32 of the NCAA tournament. Just eight days later, Curbelo’s two-year run with Illinois is over. Curbelo announced on Monday that he is entering the transfer portal.
Curbelo will be one of the most sought-after prospects on the portal. The former top 50 contender in the class of 2019 is an electric point guard who can be the best player on the floor at any time. His passability is tempting. But a boatload of turnovers and an inconsistent knight can also cause a lot of frustration.
Curbelo needs a new scene and a second chance. Good Curbelo was a defensive threat and the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year in 2021, helping the Illini earn a No. 1 spot in the NCAA tournament. Bad Curbelo was unplayable against Houston. But when he sums it all up, there’s a reason he was named a preseason All-American alongside Ivey by multiple outlets.
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Here are the potential schools that could be in the mix for Curbelo.