Illinois Basketball: Illini fans get Kofi Cockburn vs. Luka Garza III and IV

Saturday afternoon capped off what was arguably the best 24 hours the Illinois basketball team has seen in the last decade and a half.

Ayo Dosunmu started the weekend festivities with a video on Friday night declaring that he is returning for his third year with the Illini and chasing a title. He wants to become a legend, which he has already achieved that in my book.

The second part of the dynamic duo from last year’s Illini team was Kofi Cockburn. His decision waited until mid-afternoon on Saturday. He just posted a simple graphic that stated, “I’m Back”. This was a huge decision for Kofi and the Illinois basketball program.

Kofi’s rise to prominence was quite impressive. As a freshman, the big man averaged 13.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. He had some fun battles with other Big Ten foes, but the best matchup all year was against Iowa center, Luka Garza.

Garza was in the same position as Kofi over the weekend. He had put his name in the hat for the NBA Draft but had to make a decision over the weekend whether or not to stay in the mix. Garza decided on Sunday that he would pull his name out of the draft and return for his final year at Iowa.

What does this mean for college basketball fans? It means we get Kofi vs. Luka III and, most likely, IV this upcoming season. Strap in folks, this is going to be a wild ride.

In the first rendition of the big man matchup, the experienced junior won out. Garza dominated Kofi putting up 25 points and 10 rebounds while hitting 9-of-16 shots from the field. He also torched the Illini from distance, going 4-of-9 from the three-point arc.

Kofi did not fare well in this first matchup. He struggled to get the ball to go in the hoop and foul trouble hampered his momentum. Kofi finished the game with 6 points and 6 rebounds on 2-of-6 shooting from the field. Illinois ended up falling to Iowa in Kofi vs. Luka I, 72-65.

While round one wasn’t a close fight between Kofi and Luka, round two seemed a little bit better. Garza was the more experienced player and the ball went through him last season. So, naturally, he is going to score a ton of points. He did just that in the second matchup.

Garza finished the second game against the Illini with 28 points and 8 rebounds on 12-of-21 shooting from the field. He didn’t hit as many three-pointers, though, only making 1-of-3 from distance. Kofi had a better game as well. The Illini big man finished the second game with 12 points and 8 rebounds while going 5-of-8 from the field.

The best part about the second battle between the two big men is the result of the game. Illinois took down Iowa 78-76 in a game that helped the Orange and Blue get a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament.

I am excited to see Kofi vs. Luka III and IV this season. The two goliaths are fun to watch as they bang into each other and try to impose their physical dominance. Luka will have something to prove, and Kofi will have a year of experience under his belt. Both players are trying to win a national title and impress the NBA scouts while doing so. This should be entertaining.