A drama-filled Illinois basketball offseason that included several tough departures ended with one thrilling return. All-American center Kofi Cockburn announced on Friday he will withdraw from the transfer portal to return to Illinois for a third season, turning down interest from Kentucky, Florida State and several other high-major programs.
The return of one of college basketball’s most dominant interior forces and one of the best post players in Illinois basketball history gives Brad Underwood a chance to be in the race atop the Big Ten. According to T-Rank projections, Cockburn returning vaults Illinois from the No. 27 team in the country to the No. 3 team in the country, behind just Gonzaga and UCLA.
Cockburn last season averaged 17.7 points and 9.5 rebounds, earning consensus Second Team All-America honors as well as All-Big Ten First Team honors, to lead Illinois to a 24-7 overall record (16-4) and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Cockburn has the chance to win consensus All-America honors for a second straight season, something only two other Illini have accomplished (Dee Brown and Andy Phillip).
“We are beyond thrilled to have Kofi remain a Fighting Illini and add the nation’s top player to our lineup,” Illini head coach Brad Underwood said. “Kofi has been thorough during every step of his process, from exploring professional opportunities to making the decision to return to college. He has played a major role in our success the last two years and has more individual and team goals to achieve this season. Kofi will have the chance to expand new aspects of his game while continuing to be a dominant inside force on both ends of the floor.”
Heck of a rebound: Though Illinois loses First Team All-American guard Ayo Dosunmu to the NBA, the return of Cockburn and sophomore guard Andre Curbelo, last season’s Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year, gives Illinois one of the best duos in the country. The returns of super senior Trent Frazier and Da’Monte Williams, along with starter Jacob Grandison and transfers Alfonso Plummer (Utah) and Omar Payne (Florida), also give Illinois an experienced supporting cast. Add in sophomore forward Coleman Hawkins, talented guard Austin Hutcherson (who missed all of last season with a back injury) and three top-100 freshmen wings, and the Illini have great depth.
The Illini lost all three assistant coaches from last season’s team: Chin Coleman and Orlando Antigua to Kentucky and Stephen Gentry. But Underwood’s revamped staff of Chester Frazier, Geoff Alexander and Tim Anderson have helped the Illini sustain momentum, including two top-100 commitments during the last two weeks: four-star Virginia guard Jayden Epps and four-star Ohio guard Sencire Harris.
What it means: After a long rollercoaster of an offseason, Brad Underwood has ended up in a better spot than many would’ve realistically hoped going into the offseason: with a potential top-10 roster and currently a top-five 2022 recruiting class. Cockburn’s return gives Underwood a chance to maintain his program’s great momentum and once again be a force both in the Big Ten and the national level. While Purdue and Michigan also are projected to be among college basketball’s best, the Illini’s talent and experience — lifted immensely by Cockburn’s return — could give them an argument as the conference’s favorite. Assuming health, the Illini look likely to earn a third-straight 20-win season and top-four Big Ten finish — and allow Underwood and his revamped staff a chance to further solidify the Illini as a true Big Ten heavyweight for the long-term.
