Illinois guard Andre Curbelo enters the transfer portal

We’ve got another name to keep an eye on in the transfer portal. This afternoon, Illinois guard Andre Curbelo announced he’s leaving Champaign after two seasons. The 6’1″ 175 lbs. Puerto Rico native was recruited to Illinois by Orlando Antigua, who, as you know, left Brad Underwood’s staff to return to Kentucky last year.

Much love 🧡💙🤝 pic.twitter.com/mUXRhImkt8

— Andre Curbelo (@papicurbelo11) March 28, 2022

Coming out of high school, Curbelo was the No. 36 overall prospect in the 2020 class in the On3 Consensus. After an impressive freshman season that led to Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honors, he struggled as a sophomore. He went from averaging 9.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 21.5 minutes per game as a freshman to averaging 7.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 19.3 minutes per game as a sophomore. He suffered a concussion in November and missed almost two months of play.

If you look at their record, Illinois may have played better without Curbelo than with him. After going 0-4 and turning the ball over twice in the first half of Illinois’ loss to Houston in the NCAA Tournament, he did not play in the second half, a “coach’s decision” by Underwood. Like Sahvir Wheeler, Curbelo plays fast — sometimes out of control — and isn’t a good shooter. Over two seasons, he made only 11-65 threes for 16.9%. This season, he was only 32.9% from the floor.

That said, Kentucky needs guards for next season and the connection to Antigua is real, to the point there were rumors Curbelo might follow him to Lexington last year. The Herald-Leader’s Ben Roberts heard before today’s news that Kentucky would be a possible suitor if Curbelo decided to transfer. Something to keep an eye on.