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Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini against Ohio State

By Rees Woodcock

Illinois center Kofi Cockburn (21) is introduced before 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 031 Jpg
Illinois center Kofi Cockburn (21) is introduced before 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 031 Jpg /
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Illinois basketball
Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn (21) and Trent Frazier (1) celebrate during the first half of the Indiana versus Illinois men’s basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022.Iu Il Bb 1h Cockburn Frazier /

Illinois basketball has an extremely tough matchup on Thursday night as Ohio State comes to Champaign.

This is a big game for the Illini as the Orange and Blue are still in the running for a Big Ten regular season title. After the win over Michigan State, Illinois has a chance to finish the season strong heading into the Big Ten Tournament.

But, entering the Ohio State game, I have a few questions for the Illini. These are some things I am going to need answered throughout the game.

Here are four big questions for the Illinois basketball team against Ohio State.

1. Can Kofi change his Ohio State struggles?

I don’t have to tell you that Kofi Cockburn has been a special player for the Illinois basketball team. The All-American picked up where he left off last season and is averaging 21.7 points and 11.2 rebounds per game.

Those numbers are so good that Kofi is actually the only player averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds this season. He is also the only player in the top 10 nationally in points and rebounds.

Despite his dominance, Kofi hasn’t had the easiest time with the Ohio State Buckeyes. He has actually struggled against the Buckeyes for much of his career.

As a program, Illinois is 2-2 against Ohio State with Kofi on the floor. His numbers have suffered as well. Kofi is only averaging 12.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in the four games. The best game the big man has had against the Buckeyes came last season where he dropped 16 points and nine rebounds in a win in the Big Ten Tournament.

So, a big question I have for Thursday night is will Kofi finally dominate Ohio State like he has nearly every other program? It is time for him to show the Buckeyes his strength and ability. I think this game is going to determine Kofi’s standing in the National Player of the Year race as well. If he has a big game, it could win him the award.

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