Issac Trotter of 247 Sports projects the Miami basketball program as a potential fit for Illinois point guard Andre Curbelo who entered the transfer portal on Monday. Miami was a finalist for Curbelo when he committed to Illinois. Curbelo is originally from Puerto Rico and played in high school at Long Island Lutheran.
In two seasons at Illinois, Curbelo averaged 8.5 points per game, 3.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Miami loses guard Kameron McGusty, who was first-team All-ACC and named to the All-Midwest Regional team in the NCAA Tournament and point guard Charlie Moore. Guard Isaiah Wong could declare for the NBA Draft.
Miami returns freshmen guards Bensley Joseph and Wooga Poplar and Jakai Robinson after he redshirted this season. Fourth-year sophomore Harlond Beverly is expected to return for Miami after sitting out this season following spinal surgery. Miami has been very guard-oriented under Jim Larranaga.
Bruce Brown, Shane Larkin and Lonnie Walker have all played in the NBA after playing for Miami under Larranaga. Curbelo was turnover-prone averaging 2.7 per game. Under a more disciplined coach who stresses taking care of the ball, Curbelo could thrive. Curbelo is known for being a flashy point guard.
The high school scouting report on Curbelo praised him for having great vision and passing skills while being an adept ballhandler who thrives on a change of pace. Moore was exceptional this season controlling the pace for Miami. Curbelo made only 11 of 65 three-point attempts in two seasons for 16.9 percent.
Much love 🧡💙🤝 pic.twitter.com/mUXRhImkt8
— Andre Curbelo (@a_curbelo3) March 28, 2022
Other potential fits for Curbelo mentioned by Trotter are Alabama, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Memphis, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Oregon, the Puerto Rican professional league, Purdue St. John’s, Seton Hall and Texas. UK will be a program to watch for Curbelo. Wildcats assistant Orlando Antigua recruited Curbelo at Illinois.
Miami signed four players in its Class of 2023. All four are 6’6 or taller and post players or wings. Joseph seems likely to be the point guard for Miami in 2022-23 unless Larranaga pursues a transfer at the position. Larranaga has implied that Miami will be busy in the transfer portal. He likes the experience transfers bring.