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Illinois basketball: 2019-20 season wrap-up for Kofi Cockburn

By Jalen Wilson

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 27: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dunks in the first half against Robbie Beran #31 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena on February 27, 2020 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 27: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dunks in the first half against Robbie Beran #31 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena on February 27, 2020 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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Kofi Cockburn was a huge recruiting snag for Brad Underwood and this Illinois basketball team from the class of 2019.

Here is Kofi’s 2019-2020 season wrap-up.

Expectations

My expectations for Kofi were a little low before this season started. He was ranked among the top 50 high school players in the class of 2019, so my expectations probably should’ve been higher.

Before the season started my predicted stats for Kofi were 8 points and 9 rebounds per game. I also had him shooting 42-percent from the field and 40-percent from the free-throw line.

My expectations were low for Kofi because I saw flaws in his game. The competition he faced during high school was good because he went to Oak Hill Academy. Sometimes the other centers he was matched-up against didn’t stand a chance because they didn’t have the talent or physical abilities that Kofi had.

The biggest problem I had with Kofi’s game was that he was a raw offensive player. He had a big problem of gathering the from his waist instead of his chest when going up for a post move,

Reality

Kofi had a big impact on the team this year. I didn’t have him winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year, but he won that award. Kofi was also a big reason why the Illinois basketball team could return to the NCAA tournament. He exceeded my exceptions during the season. I didn’t think he was going to be this effective because I didn’t know how his game would translate in college.

Kofi averaged 13.3 points and 8 rebounds per game. He averaged these numbers while shooting 53-percent from the field and 67-percent from the free-throw line. Kofi made his presence felt on offense.

The only problem I had with Kofi this year was him getting into the foul trouble and pick and pop defense. There were multiple times that he got into foul trouble early in a game and had to be benched. Teams like Iowa and Ohio State made Kofi ineffective at times on defense too. Some teams liked to run the pick and pop, and Kofi struggled to close out on the popping player.

Future

I expect Kofi to return for his Sophomore year. I believe that will be his last year playing college basketball. I also believe he will average around the same stats of 13 points and 8 rebounds next season.

Next. Illini eyeing Wichita State transfer Jamarius Burton. dark

As far as his pro career goes, I think he will get drafted in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft.  He will need to improve on offense and defense for his draft stock to move up. I do see a long pro career for Kofi whether that’s in the NBA or overseas. I think Kofi will leave a big impact on this Illinois basketball program.

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