It was an “anything to win” type game for the Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, native. Which is also how he intends to approach the rest of this season. His presence elevates his teammates, but Illinois got back into the Associated Press Top 25 without him.
“I’ve got to do whatever I’ve got to do to win,” Curbelo said. “I’m coming back, and I’m the one that’s got to fit into their playing style. I’m just here for them. Right now, I’m not even thinking I’m this or I’m that. I’m here for whoever needs me. Whatever needs to be done, I feel like I’ll probably be that kind of guy — whether it’s an assist or whether it’s a rebound. As long as we get the win, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
