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March Madness 2021: 5 potential impact players to watch in NCAA Tournament

By Matt Melton

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 13: Jahvon Quinerly #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide drives to the basket against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of their semifinal game in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Alabama defeats Tennessee 73-68. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 13: Jahvon Quinerly #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide drives to the basket against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of their semifinal game in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Alabama defeats Tennessee 73-68. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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March Madness Andre Curbelo Illinois Fighting Illini (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
March Madness Andre Curbelo Illinois Fighting Illini (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Andre Curbelo – Illinois

You could make the argument that Illinois has fully emerged as the second-best team in the country in recent weeks, partly due to guys like Curbelo.

You know names like Dosunmu and Cockburn, but Andre Curbelo is a name you will become familiar with over the coming weeks. Curbelo is 6th on the Illini in average minutes per game, but has emerged as a go-to option over the past couple of games.

The freshman guard is averaging 9.1 PPG, 4 RPG, and 4 APG on 49.3% shooting for the Illini this season. Curbelo has scored in double-figures in 7 of his past 8 games, which includes a career-high 19 points in a big road win in the regular-season finale at Ohio State.

Illinois has emerged as a popular pick to win the national championship. The Illini have the star power and play style to do just that, but Andre Curbelo is a name to watch as he could play a big role in Illinois potentially making a deep run in March Madness.

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