Illinois star Kofi Cockburn is officially in the transfer portal, sources told ESPN.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) July 1, 2021

A little surprised by this one to be honest: Kofi Cockburn, a sophomore from the University of Illinois, has entered the portal. He entered the NBA Draft with intentions of staying there and just has added his name to the transfer portal to weigh his other options while still keeping his name in the draft until next week’s deadline. Cockburn received an invite to the NBA G-League Elite Camp but did not receive an invite to last week's NBA Draft Combine.

He would instantly boost any team's frontcourt. The 7-footer averaged 17.7 points & 9.5 rebounds this season, is exploring all options. He was Big Ten Freshman of the Year 2019-20, 1st Team All-Big Ten last season, and 2nd Team All-American last season.

We could use a little proven help at the center position, right? 

Early reports had him linked to Kentucky but apparently, that has fizzled out.

Does NIL = Not Illinois? (I'll see myself out....)