Andre Curbelo makes long-awaited return against No. 4 Purdue

The Illini star hasn’t suited up since Nov. 23 in a win against Kansas State.

Andre Curbelo has missed the last two months with concussion-related issues, and his return couldn’t have come at a better time as the Illini are set to take on No. 7 Purdue.

Curbelo, the Big Ten’s reigning Sixth Man of the Year, provides a completely different element to Illinois’ offense. He’s the only true ballhandler in the rotation, is capable of beating defenders off the dribble and thrives in ball screen action with big man Kofi Cockburn.

Without him at times, Illinois has struggled with pressure. Trent Frazier has largely assumed point guard duties in Curbelo’s absence with Da’Monte Williams bringing the ball…