It’s Instagram official. Kofi Cockburn declared for the 2020 NBA Draft.
The Big Ten Freshman of the Year is testing the draft waters, but leaving a return to the Illini starting rotation as an open possibility. A difference maker in the paint, Cockburn played a major role in the successful season in Champaign. Before the COVID-19 pandemic’s rapid spread halted and eventually canceled the remainder of the college season, Illinois found itself on track for a potentially deep March run.
A 21-10 (13-7) regular season record, impressive wins against Michigan, Wisconsin and Penn State and the dynamic combination of Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn had the Orange Krush as raucous as ever. Now, the lifebloods of the orange and blue may both be on their way out.
Brad Underwood’s recruiting skills will keep the Illini afloat in 2021. But courting Dosunmu to potentially return provided a monumental task. Having to entice both stars away from a paycheck and to a chance at glory is near impossible.
It all just feels a bit unfair that this team, the 2019-20 Illini don’t get their chance. Here’s hoping they get that chance in 2020-21.
