Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: Top 6 Illini targets for the class of 2019

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 11: Illinois Fighting Illini flag flies during the game against the Norfolk State Spartans at Assembly Hall on December 11, 2012 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois won 64-54. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 11: Illinois Fighting Illini flag flies during the game against the Norfolk State Spartans at Assembly Hall on December 11, 2012 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois won 64-54. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 7
Next
Illinois basketball
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 15: A detail view of the March Madness logo that is embossed into the official tournament basketballs is seen during an open public practice during the practice day before the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 15, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Kofi Cockburn – Top 12

It is hard to find a dominant big man who can run the court, get rebounds, block shots and score. You can find that with Kofi Cockburn, though. This kid is a superstar in the making at every level he plays.

Cockburn is a 6-foot-10, 255-pound center who is from Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. 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.

On July 30, Cockburn narrowed his list down to 12 teams and included Cincinnati, Connecticut, Florida State, Syracuse, South Carolina, St. John’s, Pittsburgh, Oregon, LSU, Kentucky, Kansas and Illinois. This is a long list of some big-time programs that could all use a big man like Cockburn.

Updates on the recruitment of Cockburn have been few. He is keeping his decision close to the vest but I think there are a few teams who stick out, in my opinion. Illinois is in the mix of the top 12, but it will be extremely tough to snag this talented big man. I think he is likely to stay toward the east coast.

Right now, I think the recruitment of Cockburn will lean towards Syracuse, St. John’s and UConn but, hopefully, the Illini can get in and really sway him to come to Champaign.

Home/Illinois Basketball Recruiting