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Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini against Arizona

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 3, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) reacts after making a dunk during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) reacts after making a dunk during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) dunks the ball during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) dunks the ball during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Will Kofi win the big man clash?

When Luka Garza was with Iowa, the matchup between him and Kofi Cockburn was so fun to watch. I love a good big man matchup. Two giants banging bodies and trying to put the ball in the hoop.

Garza has since moved on, but on Saturday, we might get to see another big man matchup for the ages. Arizona is coming into the Illinois game with not one but two big men who can match up well against Kofi.

The Wildcats’ best big man is Christian Koloko, who checks in at 7-foot-1, 230-pounds. Koloko is averaging 14.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game this season. He is going to be the first big man thrown at Kofi.

When Koloko gets winded, Arizona will then throw Oumar Ballo out there to combat Kofi. Ballo is averaging 6.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game this season. He isn’t nearly as polished as Koloko, but Ballo is more of a physical menace at 7-foot, 260-pounds.

This is honestly the biggest challenge for Kofi this season. He really hasn’t been challenged too much. The worst game he has had came against Cincinnati when he put up 18 points and seven rebounds. So far this season, Kofi is averaging 22.8 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.

On Saturday, I am going to be watching to see if Kofi can continue his dominating performance. He will be matched up against two players who are equally as big. This should be fun to watch.

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