I would prefer he stick around 4 years like everyone else here. It is just talk on a forum, that is it. That being said the obvious of not turning the ball over, being under control with the ball, making an outside shot and improved defense without reach in fouls are things to work on. I think he can be a college basketball superstar. He has a lot of areas to improve on to take his game to the next level. If/when the big fella comes back, Illinois and crew are going to get a lot of primetime games and eyes on them next season.
Illini Basketball 2021-2022
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What does he do better than Dee did?
Loyalillini10
- Urbana, IL
Not necessarily. Getting your guys to the NBA early is a good look for the program. Will definitely help with recruiting.
JFGsCoffeeMug
BU:1 Trash cans:0
- Chicago
If Kofi returns to Illinois, we will move up to #3 in Torvik's RosterCast, behind #1 Gonzaga and #2 UCLA.
The current #3 team, which we will be pushing down to #4, is Michigan. Get ready for some exciting all-out brawls when we run into the Wolverines this year. Could be a lot of fun.
The current #3 team, which we will be pushing down to #4, is Michigan. Get ready for some exciting all-out brawls when we run into the Wolverines this year. Could be a lot of fun.
Beat his man off the dribble.
DB11Headband
- Chicago Burbs
Dee had the edge on the defensive end, as well as 3-point shooting, but you can argue that AC is better in every other aspect. And this is coming from someone who loved Dee (clearly). But I digress. Back to recruiting.
To be fair, the staff would want to sell that idea that players may be leaving for the NBA. We told Adam Miller Ayo would be in the NBA last year. We've been telling prospects Ayo would be gone since his Freshmen year
You plan for the worst case for roster retention
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BMoreIllini
- Baltimore, MD
Just curious, if Curbelo has a realistic shot at getting drafted next summer, then why wouldn't he have entered his name into the draft this year to get feedback on what he needs to improve? I'm sure some things are obvious (3 point shooting, defense, limiting TO's, etc) but I think getting input from NBA teams directly would be really beneficial. I don't really see a downside to doing so.
Not saying he doesn't have a chance at being drafted next year, I'm just not as certain as others seem to be.
Not saying he doesn't have a chance at being drafted next year, I'm just not as certain as others seem to be.
What Curbelo lacks in height is made up for with his handles. Defenders have to sag off him a bit because they risk getting crossed up to the basket or Belo creating separation to dish it off. That little initial sag by the defense will give Belo enough space to shoot (in theory, that’s why they practice).
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
Belo made a lot of baskets within 15 feet of the basket , not counting drives and layups last season...........He gets to places on the court that few can and that between the legs of the defenders pass last year was magical............
I think he will lead us to many W 's this year and I'll be happy with that....Let the future take care of itself and enjoy him while we have him.....
I would wish for as many years as we can have him .....who know's , maybe this NIL thing will keep some in school longer ....Maybe not , but an old Illini
can hope can't he ??????
Better ball handler, passer, rebounder and game manager. Dee was a better shooter and defensive player. Dee was a 2 guard in a PG's body, whereas AC is a true PG, with skills you just can't teach
Which will be higher.........Curbelo's Triple Doubles or Kofi's Made 3's?
Triple doubles or I’ll give up my beach house
Its not really a bold prediction its simply the reality of the current team comp because if not Trent who is the backup PG then ?
Loyalillini10
- Urbana, IL
Not Trent. Plummer is more likely to come off the bench for that role. Trent isn’t going to back anybody up.
He will start at the 2 and run point when belo needs a breather. No way Trent doesn’t start.
If you are surrounded by good people and have honest self evaluation you don't need to go on a nba rejection tour to know what you need to improve on . You can watch the film and see it . I think Belo's dad is a former international pro and Belo has put in some work with some private trainers providing services like the ones provided by our newest assistant Tim Anderson.
Probably not that many. Remember, those super senior scholarships don't count toward the 13 limit cap.
Belo is on the NBA radar because of the things he does you can't teach and because of his pure PG skills.
He is terrific in pick and roll, can pass with either hand on alley oops, eye brow fakes, behind the back, and knows where the ball needs to be.
Slithery ball handler and can get past his man on any possession.
Hands, hands, hands. Some if the quickest, nimble hands I've seen. And as far as the stuff you can't teach...a betwen the legs of the defender pass for a dunk...casually walking on the sideline in the weeds to get a steal when the offensive player isn't paying attention...he has moments all the time that other guards just don't think of doing.
I've always compared him to Delon Wright when he came out...and NBA wise, Ricky Rubio.
If he can shoot at a reasonable clip and run the show a team that makes a strong tournament run, he will for sure have the eye of NBA scouts.
illini80
- Forgottonia
I’ve seen that and it seems awful strong. The potential is there, but lots of things have to gel. Underwood teams tend to finish strong, but we haven’t seen them start strong yet.
Perfect description of both.
True, but this will likely be the 1st Underwood team to have 5 starters who played major minutes the previous season. Not to mention the first BU team with a roster full of B1G caliber players who got the benefit of a full offseason of workouts.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
This. Full metal jacket.
Imo ball handling and play make for his team mates with unbelievable passes! The eyes in the back of his head thing they all say about him! Just my opinion!
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