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Illinois Basketball: 5 biggest storylines for the Illini in 2019

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: The Illinois Fighting Illini huddle up before the game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at State Farm Center on December 14, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: The Illinois Fighting Illini huddle up before the game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at State Farm Center on December 14, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 20: Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) stands on the court during player introductions before the start of the college basketball game between the Citadel Bulldogs and the Illinois Fighting Illini on November 20, 2019, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Illini land their big man

Ayo Dosunmu returning to the program in 2019 was one of the biggest storylines that I have already mentioned. His return has helped this team tremendously. But the addition of Kofi Cockburn to the team has been a great help too.

Kofi was a highly-decorated recruit who was ranked in the top 50 nationally. He decided to end his recruitment and commit to Illinois back on January 6, 2019. His addition to the team has been something to drool over since game one.

I have loved watching Kofi navigate the college basketball landscape. This kid has been playing basketball for less than a half-decade and is still better than 95-percent of college basketball players. His ability to rebound and score around the hoop has been sensational, but his ability to move up and down the court is what blows my mind. This kid is incredible.

He has only played 12 games for the Orange and Blue, but he has averaged 15.2 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in the time he has seen on the court. His presence in this Illinois lineup has been invaluable to the team.

Next. 5 graduate transfer options for the Illini in 2020. dark

Illinois being able to land Kofi from the class of 2019 goes down as one of the biggest storylines. Without his commitment, this team isn’t anywhere near 8-4. I would imagine we are almost guaranteed to miss another postseason if he doesn’t come to Champaign. To leave him off this list would have been an injustice.

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