Illinois big man and Fox Sports NCAA Freshman of the Year Kofi Cockburn announced on his Instagram (@kingkofi21) that he has declared for the 2020 NBA draft.
The seven-foot Freshman has decided to forgo his final three seasons of eligibility after averaging 13.3 points and 8.8 rebounds during his lone season with the Illini. Cockburn was a problem for opponents this past season as he put up six double-doubles and sealed Illinois' final win of the season with a game-winning block on Iowa's Luka Garza at the buzzer.
This hasn't been a particularly great off-season for Illinois head coach Brad Underwood and the Fighting Illini. After losing Seniors Kipper Nichols and Andres Feliz, and transfers Alan Griffin and Tevian Jones, Cockburn will be the fifth role player the Illini will be losing from their 2019-2020 roster.
There is still the possibility Cockburn decides to return to the Illini despite declaring for the NBA draft. However, if he is drafted, the Illini will be left with a battle for the starting five spot. Junior Giorgi Bezhanishvili will likely be the favorite to start, as that was the position he played his Freshman season.
The Illini are still awaiting to hear from Sophomore Ayo Dosunmu regarding his NBA draft status. If Dosunmu also declares for the draft, Underwood will be losing his team's two leading scorers from this past season.