Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup if Kofi Cockburn returns

No. 5 Center/Forward

Starter: Kofi Cockburn

It is incredible how my outlook at the No. 5 spot would change if Kofi Cockburn decided to return to Illinois instead of transfer to another program. The Illini would get back the best center to ever come through the program and one of the best centers in college basketball.

Last season, Kofi put up numbers that Illinois basketball fans hadn’t seen in a long time. He averaged 17.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Those are insane numbers to put up as a sophomore in the college game. If he would come back, Kofi would average north of 20 points and 10 rebounds per contest. He would be the centerpiece of a championship-level program.

Backup: Omar Payne

The primary backup at the No. 5 spot would look a lot better as well. This is where I would have Omar Payne. Without Kofi, Payne was the starting No. 5, so I just shifted him down one spot with Kofi potentially returning. Payne was a talented recruit coming out of high school, but he just hasn’t had a chance to develop. Having him learn behind Kofi and then move into a starting role in 2022-23 would be optimal.

Backup: Brandon Lieb

I see Brandon Lieb getting very little playing time this upcoming season if Kofi Cockburn returns to the Illini. Lieb is a good development piece for the Orange and Blue, but the only time we should see him on the court is in blowout situations.