NCAA Basketball: Pros and cons of transfer Kofi Cockburn’s final 3 options

In the past few years since the number of NCAA Basketball transfers has exploded past 1,000+, we’ve seen a number of talented players become free agents. But while many have switched teams and ended up as All-Americans, we never get those who were All-Americans previously, such as star center Kofi Cockburn.

The former top-40 prospect had a very good freshman campaign, averaging 13.3 ppg and 8.8 rpg en route to winning Big Ten Rookie of the Year. But this past season saw Cockburn elevate into a national star. The 7’0 and 280-pound true center broke out in a huge way, averaging 17.7 ppg and 9.5 rpg on 65% shooting from the field.

Cockburn was consistently great all season and had several huge performances in leading Illinois to a Big Ten Tournament title and No. 1 seed in the Big Dance. After the season was over, the star big man entered the NBA Draft along with star teammate Ayo Dosunmu, with consensus expectation that he would remain.

However, the new rules regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), as well as players being able to transfer once without having to sit out a year, combined with not likely getting selected in the top-40 of the NBA Draft, allowed Cockburn the opportunity to come back to NCAA Basketball for next season.

In the past couple of weeks, rumors have been rampant regarding teams that could land Cockburn. But now we have official news of who could land Cockburn, who’ll be deciding on Friday. Between Florida State, Kentucky, and coming back to Illinois, which is the best option? Here are some pros and cons to consider.