Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: NBA Combine didn’t invite Illini center Kofi Cockburn

By Rees Woodcock

COLLEGE PARK, MD - DECEMBER 07: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dunks the ball against Jalen Smith #25 of the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Xfinity Center on December 7, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - DECEMBER 07: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dunks the ball against Jalen Smith #25 of the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Xfinity Center on December 7, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

So it looks like there was a mix-up when it comes to the reporting on Illinois basketball center, Kofi Cockburn.

On Monday, Adam Zagoria of Forbes Sports reported that Kofi Cockburn had received an invitation to the NBA Combine. This report is now being redacted after new information is being released that Kofi wasn’t invited to the combine.

Zagoria is now reporting that there were 105 players who were voted on to possibly get an invite to the NBA Combine. The emails were sent out to the 105 players, but only 60-70 players actually got an invite. Kofi ended up being a player who was in the 105 players being considered, but he didn’t make the cut for the actually combine.

This is huge news if you are an Illinois basketball fan. The fact Kofi didn’t get an invite to the NBA Combine means they don’t see him as a player who will go in the upcoming NBA Draft. I would say the lack of invitation means that the possibility of Kofi coming back to Champaign has officially increased greatly.

Now, the reports that Ayo got an NBA Combine invite still remain true. He is going to be evaluated and, in my opinion, there is no way he is coming back to Illinois. I think Ayo is a lock to leave the program and get picked in the upcoming draft.

What does Kofi potentially coming back mean for the Illinois roster?

This would be huge for the Illini and their upcoming campaign. Honestly, the only weakness I see on the Illinois roster for 2020-21, besides for youth, is the No. 5 spot.

I had Giorgi Bezhanishvili starting for the Illini at the No.5. This wasn’t going to be good considering he is undersized and isn’t the best at the position. I think Illinois would have struggled greatly with Giorgi playing this role.

But if the lack of invite to the NBA Combine is any indication that Kofi is coming back, that means Illinois will be returning one of the best players in college basketball. I see Kofi being in the running for Big Ten Player of the Year. It also wouldn’t shock me to see him up for National Player of the Year.

Next. Illini lose a legend with the passing of Lou Henson. dark

I want Kofi to do what is best for him. I think he has the talent and the body to be an NBA player next season. But the NBA scouts disagree and that shows with not inviting him to the NBA Combine. If Kofi comes back to Champaign, I see him getting picked in the top 20 in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Home/Illinois Basketball