Illinois Basketball: Kofi Cockburn sets decision announcement date

The wait for the Illinois basketball program might be over soon, as Kofi Cockburn has posted an announcement is coming.

Illini Nation has been waiting for a decision to come down for about a week now after Kofi decided to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft and enter the transfer portal. He still kept the Illini alive for a possible return to Champaign, but now we may be getting an answer.

On Tuesday afternoon, Kofi took to Twitter to post that on Friday, July 16, he will have an announcement. One would assume this announcement is a commitment to a program for the upcoming season.

Kofi would make such a big impact on the Illinois basketball roster.

When Kofi announces his decision this Friday, and if he does come back to the Illini, it would be a huge boost to the program. He would bring back all of his size and talent, and Illinois would instantly be a national title contender once again.

I did a projected Illini lineup if Kofi decided to come back to Champaign. This lineup gives the Illini a much more stable No. 5 spot, as Kofi would take over his role from the past two seasons. Without Kofi, the Illinois lineup is a bit shakier at the No. 5 spot. I would have incoming transfer Omar Payne manning the middle.

Will Kofi choose Illinois is the million-dollar question at this point. If I had to guess, and this is pure speculation, I don’t think he comes back to Illinois. Do I hope he returns? That is an obvious, yes. Kofi is an amazing center. Do I think he returns? No, I think he ends up committing to Kentucky.

Kofi said it himself, the reason he came to Illinois was for Orlando Antigua, who is now an assistant on the Kentucky staff. I would be absolutely shocked to see Kofi back with the Illini, but believe me, I hope I am wrong.

Either way, I wish Kofi nothing but the best in life and on the court. I want the kid to succeed with his game. Strap in Illini Nation, we are about to get a concrete answer in the coming days.