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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini starting lineup with Kofi Cockburn

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 29: Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders run across the court carrying flags during the college basketball game between the Florida Atlantic University Owls and the Illinois Fighting Illini on December 29, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 29: Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders run across the court carrying flags during the college basketball game between the Florida Atlantic University Owls and the Illinois Fighting Illini on December 29, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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FORT MYERS, FL – DECEMBER 19: Kofi Cockburn #21 of Oak Hill Academy looks on prior to the game against Olive Branch High School during the City Of Palms Classic at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 19, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
FORT MYERS, FL – DECEMBER 19: Kofi Cockburn #21 of Oak Hill Academy looks on prior to the game against Olive Branch High School during the City Of Palms Classic at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 19, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

No. 5 Center

Starter: Kofi Cockburn

The Illinois basketball team was able to snag one of the best players in the nation on Sunday. Kofi Cockburn announced that he has committed to play for the Illini. I think he comes into the program and starts day one as well.

Cockburn is a 6-foot-10, 290-pound center from Oak Hill Academy in Mouth Of Wilson, Virginia. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 33 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 9 center in the nation. He is also the No. 2 player in the state of Virginia as well.

I am excited about Cockburn. He is a big man who is athletic and can come in and dominate right away. Illinois is going to be dangerous next season.

Backup: Samba Kane

As of right now, I have the back up to Cockburn next season being Samba Kane. This kid is an athletic player who is extremely raw. He has talent but needs his game refined.

I am shocked Kane hasn’t seen more playing time. When he does play, he is a solid body on the floor. But, our coaching staff clearly doesn’t think he is ready. I see him as a solid back next year, though.

Next. 3 effects of the Kofi Cockburn commitment to the Illini. dark

Backup: Antwan January (Redshirt)

The “3rd string” backup at the No. 5 spot is Antwan January. I am not putting him in this spot because he has less talent than the other players, but I am putting him here because I would like to see him redshirt his first season in Champaign.

January is a 6-foot-11, 240-pound center from Santa Monica High School in Santa Monica, California. He is rated as a three-star recruit who is the No. 126 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 24 center in the nation. He is also the No. 9 player in the state of California as well.

I loved this get by Underwood. January is going to be a really good player, but saving him a year of eligibility would be big for the Illini and for January. I want to see him take a redshirt his freshman year.

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