Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini against Indiana

By Rees Woodcock

Feb 2, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood talks with Kofi Cockburn (21) after WednesdayÕs win over the Wisconsin Badgers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood talks with Kofi Cockburn (21) after WednesdayÕs win over the Wisconsin Badgers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Illinois basketball
Sweat drips from Illinois center Kofi Cockburn during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men’s basketball game against Iowa, Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.211206 Ill Iowa Mbb 022 Jpg /

3. Can we get Kofi going early?

Just like Indiana, Illinois’ best player is also a big man. Kofi Cockburn has been the cornerstone for the program’s success this season and really over the past couple of years.

Kofi has a record of 3-0 against the Hoosiers, and he will be relied on to make that number 4-0 on Saturday. But one of the big questions I have for the big man is can we get him going early? Can the Illini feed Kofi early and often so he can see the ball go through the hoop in the first couple of minutes?

In the three wins over Indiana, Kofi has been okay on the court. The numbers don’t jump off the page, but he has been solid. Kofi is averaging 15.3 points and 10 rebounds per game while shooting 17-of-33 from the field, which is 51.5%.

Kofi has been a different type of beast this season, though. His numbers have jumped from averaging 17.7 points and 9.5 rebounds last season to 22.1 points and 11.6 rebounds this year. Illinois has also leaned on Kofi a lot lately, and the big man has delivered.

The Illini were able to take down Wisconsin while Kofi was putting up 37 points and 12 rebounds. He has been able to put up at least 21 points in seven out of his last nine games as well. Kofi is clicking right now, and Indiana is about to feel his wrath.

But the key to getting Kofi going is to get him the ball early and let him work. He needs to get in a rhythm and see the ball go in the hoop. That is why I will be watching to see if Kofi can get going early.

Home/Illinois Basketball