Yesterday, the Illinois basketball team moved a step closer to landing one of the most talented big men in the class of 2019.
Kofi Cockburn decided to cut his list down to just 12 programs and included South Carolina, Syracuse, Kentucky, UConn, Oregon, St. John’s, Pittsburgh, Kansas, Cincinnati, LSU, Florida State and Illinois. This is an extremely tough list with a lot of great recruiters who are all vying for his commitment.
There is a reason Cockburn is a wanted man. He is a 6-foot-10, 255-pound center from Christ The King Regional High School in Middle Village, New York, but he has now transferred over to Oak Hill Academy this year. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 27 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 8 center in the nation.
During summer AAU ball, Cockburn continued to impress fans, coaches and scouts with his ability on the court. He suited up for team Renaissance and took them to the Peach Jam. He ended up averaging 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game in the regular season. In the Peach Jam, he increased those numbers to 17.8 points and 9 rebounds per game.
Of course, there is a lot to love about Cockburn’s game. This kid could play in the NBA today if he was able to. There is no doubt in my mind he would be selected in the NBA Draft. I like his ability to run the court. He is extremely physical and uses his body for good. He can pull down rebounds and has a solid touch as well.
Honestly, I am shocked that Georgetown isn’t in his recruitment. With Patrick Ewing being the head coach, I would think that would be a great place for Cockburn to land. But, they didn’t make the top 12 and Illinois did. I am curious who out of the 12 will make the next cut, though.
I am going to project the next cut down to Cockburn’s top five. I think Illinois is going to be in there. They have a massive need for a No. 5 for 2019 and Cockburn would fill that hole. Also, he can run the court and that is the style Brad Underwood is leaning towards.
The other four that I think will join the Illini in eventually making the top five are St. John’s, Syracuse, Kansas and Oregon. I think St. John’s is the local pick as well as Syracuse. Kansas is always in the running for big men like him. And Oregon just picked off Francis Okoro who reclassified for 2018. They might need another big in 2019.
Next. Next 3 Illini players to get picked in the NBA Draft. dark
Overall, though, I am glad Illinois is in the top 12 for Cockburn. He would be a great piece to the puzzle for a program looking to get back on top. Hopefully, Underwood and Company can land him and continue building this team into a powerhouse.