Illinois Basketball: 3 observations from the Illini win over Rutgers

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 11: Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) celebrates after a play during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 11, 2020, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Kofi is a menace down low

I said this when the season started and have said it throughout the season so far. There hasn’t been a player suit up for the Illini that is like Kofi Cockburn. I would be shocked if there was someone like him before 1990 as well.

Kofi is a special player that only comes around every once in a while. In my case, only once in a lifetime, so far. He had another great game on Saturday afternoon. Kofi was able to give the ball back to Illinois on so many occasions.

For the game, Kofi finished with 11 points, 17 rebounds and 2 blocks. He was 3-of-8 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free throw line. His presence on the floor is a huge difference-maker for the Orange and Blue.

The 17 rebounds Kofi pulled down for the Illini tied his career-high. He also had 17 rebounds against The Citadel earlier this season. He has now had seven double-doubles this season. Kofi has also scored in double figures in all but three games.

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I have enjoyed watching Kofi develop as a player. He is a dominant presence in the paint and someone who will go down in the Illinois record books. I wouldn’t be shocked if he wins his sixth Big Ten Freshman of the Week as well.

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