2. Need to replace Kofi Cockburn
It does seem like the options are dwindling by the day for a solid big man for the future. I made the case that there are only a few No. 5 options left out on the market, and that is a reason why Mac Etienne is so crucial for the class of 2021.
Another reason he is extremely important is the fact we won’t have Kofi Cockburn around for too much longer.
Kofi had a sensational freshman campaign with the Illini this past season. He came into the program as a highly-touted big man and didn’t disappoint. He averaged 13.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. He was also a huge reason, figuratively and literally, why Illinois was able to get a top-four seed in the Big Ten Tournament and why we made the NCAA tournament this season.
But, sadly, Kofi declared for the NBA Draft. As previously mentioned, I believe he is 60-40 on coming back to the program, but there is always a chance people get in his ear and he stays in the draft.
Even if it doesn’t happen and Kofi comes back for his sophomore campaign, Illinois is going to need another big man for the 2021 season. This is where Etienne steps into action. He is a member of the class of 2021 but might reclassify into 2020. This would be the best option for the Illini.
Illinois is going to have a huge hole at the No. 5 spot either this year or next year. Losing Kofi wouldn’t be easy for any program. But snagging someone like Etienne would help fill that void in a major way. While Illinois would still miss Kofi, Etienne could step in from day one and put up big numbers.