Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini at Purdue

Feb 2, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Da'Monte Williams (20) reaches for the ball as Wisconsin Badgers guard Lorne Bowman II (11) moves up court during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Da'Monte Williams (20) reaches for the ball as Wisconsin Badgers guard Lorne Bowman II (11) moves up court during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 6, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) wipes his face with his jersey during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 6, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) wipes his face with his jersey during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

2. Will Kofi show up to the party?

Kofi Cockburn has been able to dominate most of the big men in college basketball. But, in the last game against Purdue, Kofi struggled greatly.

In the loss back in January, Kofi would finish the game with just 10 points, five rebounds, and two steals in 22 minutes of action. He got into foul trouble early on and would eventually foul out of the game.

The biggest obstacle for Kofi was Purdue big man Zach Edey. The 7-foot-4 giant had 20 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks on 9-of-14 shooting from the field. He was able to control the paint and give Kofi nightmares all game long.

Will Kofi show up to the party this time around and play like his normal self? That is a big question I have for Tuesday night’s matchup.

Kofi’s play on the court in the first game was his worst showing of the season. His 10 points and five rebounds were both a season-low for the big man. I fully expect Kofi to rebound well and put up some big numbers on Tuesday night.

Purdue’s big men are good, but Kofi is a different level of dominant. If he can stay out of foul trouble early in the game, then I think he controls the paint. This is going to be Kofi’s revenge game.