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:

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.