Kofi Cockburn announces return to Illinois after considering transferring to Kentucky, Florida State

The highest-ranked participant within the CBS Sports activities faculty basketball transfer rankings is not transferring in spite of everything, as Illinois star Kofi Cockburn introduced Friday that he is returning to the Illini for a 3rd season. Cockburn’s return is big for Illinois after the 7-footer appeared intent on pursuing an expert profession after which entered the switch portal earlier than in the end withdrawing from the NBA Draft.

“It is to convey the nationwide championship again to Champaign,” Cockburn mentioned in a video asserting his determination.

Cockburn thought-about Kentucky and Florida State as switch locations however will return to steer a crew that ought to once more be among the many greatest within the Large Ten after a breakthrough 2020-21 marketing campaign. With Cockburn patrolling the submit, the Illini earned a No. 1 seed within the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Cockburn averaged 17.7 factors and 9.5 rebounds on 65.4% taking pictures final season whereas incomes second-team All-American honors from CBS Sports activities.

Illinois loses first-team All-American guard Ayo Dosunmu however will return proficient guards Trent Frazier and Andre Curbelo to kind a powerful nucleus together with Cockburn. Regardless of his dominance in faculty basketball, Cockburn’s skilled credentials stay a piece in progress on account of his standing as a throwback heart. Few can match his inside physicality, however Cockburn will probably must develop a 3-point shot and present defensive improvement to develop into a first-round NBA Draft prospect.