NCAA Basketball: San Diego State, Baylor exposed and more takeaways
By Brian Rauf
7) Kofi Cockburn is Illinois’ most important player
Five-star freshman big man Kofi Cockburn has been a key factor for a resurgent Illinois team, providing them with the kind of rebounding and inside scoring threat they would not have otherwise.
While guard Ayo Dosunmu is the Fighting Illini’s star – and rightfully so – Cockburn is probably their most important player and will be the key to whatever run Brad Underwood’s squad does or does not make in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments.
On a surface level, let’s look at his scoring output. Illinois is just 1-6 when he scores fewer than 10 points in a game, compared to a really solid 19-4 mark when he does hit double digits. The one win came in January against Michigan, which is also the only game Cockburn has fouled out of this season.
Coincidentally, Illinois’ success extends to his rebounding, too. The seven-foot, 290-pounder is averaging 6.1 rebounds per game in their 10 losses. In their 20 wins, Cockburn is averaging 10.2 rebounds.
After the Illini’s most recent win, a 67-66 victory over Indiana, Underwood praised his center and the impact he can have (Cockburn had 15 points and six blocks).
"“You want him to get to the level that you know he’s capable of. He’s fun to work with because he just keeps wanting more. You forget he’s an 18-year-old kid and he’s emotional sometimes, but his physical tools make him fun to work with sometimes.”"
If Cockburn can produce on a consistent basis, Illinois will reap the benefits by making a longer NCAA Tournament run than many expect.