Illinois Basketball: Top storylines for the Illini during the 2020-21 season

2. Kofi Cockburn’s “Bag”

In Kofi’s sophomore campaign, will he remain just a finisher in the dunker spot and paint defender? There is a place for rim runners in the NBA today more than ever, but Kofi has plenty to improve as a low-post threat.

There were moments where Kofi would get the ball dumped to him in the post, and if he was not a large margin bigger than the defender on his hip, it would turn into a lost possession. There is also no secret that Kofi has to work on his hands to improve his touch.

I am extremely intrigued to see if there has been development in that area, or if he just continues to dominate based on his physical stature. Doing so will pass at this level and provide stability on both ends for the Illini, but it would not help crack a top 40 slot on NBA Draft boards in a stacked 2021 class.

Solidifying a low post hook and a sturdy drop step would greatly assist in Kofi’s ability to score in the low post and rack up free throw attempts. It is incredibly difficult to guard a 7-foot, 285-pound big man in college basketball, but it is nearly impossible to guard a 7-foot, 285-pound skilled big man.

3. How Alan Griffin’s bench production is replaced

Alan Griffin was the fifth-leading scorer and the best perimeter shooter by a long run for the Illini last season. Griffin will be playing in orange and blue this year, but in the ACC under Coach Jim Boeheim with the Syracuse Orange instead.

Illinois will introduce six new faces in 2020-21, and at least four of the new faces are projected to play major minutes. It is logical to assume that one of the transfer wings, Austin Hutcherson or Jacob Grandison, who are pegged as strong shooters, can replace Griffin’s production. But I think it might have to come in a strength-in-numbers type of strategy.

Of the new faces this year, I would project at least two of the following three; Adam Miller, Hutcherson and Grandison, to shoot close to or above 40-percent from three-point range this year.

For reference, Griffin shot 41.6-percent from distance and averaged four three-point attempts per game. In terms of analytics and efficiency, Griffin was one of the best players in the nation last year during his time on the court.

Coach Brad Underwood will miss his motor and shooting prowess, but there is a strong group of newcomers who have the tools to fill his shoes collaboratively. This is a vital storyline to follow as the production outside of Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn will likely be the catalyst for how far the Illini go in 2020-21.