Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over Purdue
By Collin Allen
3. Kofi Cockburn is on a tear
Ever since Kofi Cockburn seemingly disappeared in the Illini’s games versus Baylor and Duke earlier this season, the reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year has been absolutely dominant in the paint — especially in conference play — for the Orange and Blue.
In the six games Illinois has played since its December 8 contest versus Duke, Cockburn has averaged 20.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per contest.
Cockburn continued this dominance on Saturday night versus the Boilermakers, as he led the team in both the scoring and rebounding categories. The sophomore big man finished the night with a total of 14 points and 10 rebounds. He also recorded two blocks in the Illini victory.
What made it more impressive was that Cockburn was able to do this versus a couple of talented Purdue big men. The Illini big was primarily battling against a tough 6-foot-10, 265-pound Travion Williams, who is averaging 14.1 points and 9.7 rebounds per game for the Boilermakers. When Williams wasn’t in the game, Cockburn was fighting in the paint against 7-foot-4 Boilermaker big man Zach Edey, who is averaging 9.3 PPG.
Cockburn will look to continue his dominant conference play when the Illini are hosted by Northwestern in Evanston on Thursday.