I anticipate curbello as the starting day 1 pg. I think his skill set is unique for this team, and will make everyone else around him better.
I feel like his impact next year will be similar to what Kofi’s was last year.
I’m a little surprised he isn’t getting more hype in this thread.
I don't think anyone is sleeping on Andre as a huge addition, and major building block for the future of Illini Basketball. Speaking for myself, I think its a pretty tall order for him to beat out a 3 year starter who is adept at taking care of the ball as well as an excellent on-ball defender. (TF) DMFW's positional versatility, defensive prowess, and all around hustle will make him a tough guy to wrestle minutes from, despite his shooting woes.
Obviously, a lot of the minutes distribution among guards will be greatly impacted by Ayo's decision.
I think Andre starting from day one will be dependent on 1. Ayo going pro, and 2. Him beating out Adam Miller.
The second one isn't a crazy notion by any means, but I think Miller's skill set is also unique on this roster. He can score form all 3 levels and has a reputation as a tenacious defender. Maybe Curbelo can shoot from outside, but it wasn't his M.O. in high school. I really expect this offense to run through the post a lot more next year, assuming the big man is really back. They won't need an elite ballhandler to break down the defense, as I expect Kofi will see a ton of double teams when he gets the ball. This will require the wings to be able to knock down open shots.
It's really going to come down to who BU and Co. trust to play defense. We know how good TF & DMFW are on that end. They won't have a lot of patience for freshmen who struggle to learn the rotations. (Ask the kid @ Mizzou...) I certainly don't want it to sound as though I don't think Curbelo can do these things. I just don't assume a lot from freshman players. The jump in competition, even from the highest caliber HS & AAU, to the B1G is huge.
There is also the great unknown in the two newly eligible transfers. I tend to believe part of the reason for the departure of Griffin and Jones is that one or both of these guys is ready to claim some minutes.
I certainly hope he makes it a very tough decision for the coaches. This team will certainly have a lot more depth at the wing than any Illini team in the last decade.