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Kofi Cockburn discusses NCAA suspension, outlook for season debut vs. Cincinnati
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Illinois is off to a 2-1 start to the college basketball season while the Illini anxiously await the return of star big man Kofi Cockburn.
Cockburn was suspended for the first 3 games of the season for selling institutionally issued apparel and memorabilia in June. On Sunday, Cockburn briefly discussed that suspension while getting set to make his season debut on Monday.
According to Cockburn, he expected to be in the NBA after the 2020-21 hoops season, but things changed. While he was unhappy with the suspension, Cockburn is happy to be back now:
#illini Kofi Cockburn on selling gear: I was 100-percent on going to the NBA. Things change.
Was upset about the NCAA suspension but it is what is. I’m back now.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) November 21, 2021
In Cockburn’s absence, Illinois recorded blowout wins vs. Jackson State and Arkansas State but fell in a game vs. Marquette. Now, Illinois can move forward with the star big man for Monday’s Hall of Fame Classic showdown vs. Cincinnati in Kansas City.
Looking forward to that game, Cockburn does not expect much rust in his season debut. He also said he’ll try to dominate as much as possible in his return.
#illini Kofi Cockburn: I don’t think there will be any rust. I’ve been working on my game a lot.
— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) November 21, 2021
#illini Kofi Cockburn: I expect I’ll go out there and try to dominate as much as I can.
— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) November 21, 2021
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.