I didn’t take BU’s statement as one of dread. I thought it had a more “he’ll be back, we just need to make sure he’s 100%” kind of feel. Like someone else said, you never make a guarantee as a coach.
That said, I’m gonna be that guy (and I know I’m not the only one because others have said it, or hinted at it): We are absolutely better when he is not starting. At least THIS year. And, to be fair, it’s based on a small sample size in which he may or may not have been less than 100%.
Unfortunately, the longer he’s out, the more obvious it becomes that we do not “need” him. Do we want him to be healthy? Yes. Is he a valuable piece? Of course. But honestly, I’m not sure he’s even the 6th best total player on this team, let some worthy of being a starter. This isn’t even necessarily a knock on Curbelo. Rather, a testament to the rest of the team and good recruiting.
He will be a very valuable bench piece upon his healthy return, but someone would have to give me a really good point-by-point list as to why he is better than one of our starting 5 right now.