2020 guard Andre Curbelo signs with Illinois

The Early Signing Period has begun. This week marks the culmination of a dream for hundreds of student-athletes across the country.

Andre Curbelo will be fulfilling his basketball dreams as a member of the Fighting Illini. The 6-foot point guard from Long Island Lutheran High (NY) officially signed his National Letter of Intent on Wednesday. Curbelo is the nation’s 55th-rated recruit, according to 247sports.

Here’s what we said about him earlier this month:

Curbelo is an obvious fit for Illinois — the Illini already boast a wiry, athletic, on-ball lead guard. He could immediately fill Ayo Dosunmu’s role as the primary facilitator in Brad Underwood’s up-tempo system. Curbelo will take his opportunities to shoot when they arise, but his main duties will be as a distributor and floor general.

Curbelo should make an instant impact for Brad Underwood and the Illini. He’s willing to attack the hoop in traffic and is highly regarded for his ballhandling, court vision, and instincts.

In a press release, Underwood said:

“We feel that we have signed the best high school guard in the country in ball screen action with the addition of Andre Curbelo. He is truly one of the best passing guards I have seen in recent years on the recruiting trail. Andre has a great understanding of the game and makes his teammates better with his outstanding vision and basketball IQ.”

Fighting Illini fans will now wait (not so) patiently for a decision from Chicago guard Adam Miller, who will announce his commitment Nov. 21 — a day after the early signing period concludes. That just means he won’t be signing until later this year (if he chooses Illinois).