So I assume it's us vs UK at this point since he hasn't taken any visits and no other schools have been mentioned. Trying to look at this objectively and the pros/cons of each school.
UK:
Pros
-An NBA factory. Putting guys in the league is their M.O.
-As a blue blood, more exposure on a national level.
-Playing with and practicing against 5-stars and future NBA guys to help hone his game.
-Tight relationship to his guy Antigua, now at UK.
-NIL $$$, and regular ol' UK booster Fedex envelope $$$.
-Possibly the best b-ball facilities in the country.
-Academic responsibilities are a tad less taxing and time-consuming.
Cons
-Not known as developers of talent. Roster of mostly 5-stars who come to show out for a year and declare for the draft. Kofi is not one of those, he needs more development to pass that bar (or he would've stayed in the draft).
-After 2 years, Kofi is a known quantity to NBA scouts. He needs to show out in certain areas, and likely won't have as much opportunity with so many other 5-star options on the team.
-Kofi won't be the centerpiece like at UI.
-New system, 7 new players (3 FR, 4 transfers), where will he fit in to the overall scheme, how well will they gel?
-Team could fall flat again like last season, and with it the exposure.
-Not as much fan love, has to be shared with other stars, which could affect NIL $
-Just another in a long line of great players. Less likely to be a legend with jersey hanging in the rafters.
UI:
Pros
-Curbelo, best pg in college b-ball. Not only a human-assist machine, but causes all kinds of chaos in the lane to Kofi's benefit.
-Kofi will be the centerpiece of all and any schemes. Players will be looking for him every time down the floor.
-At UI, he'll be the star attraction. And as a returning AA, will be the face of the Big Ten and one of the faces of college basketball, with massive NIL potential. At UK, he may not be THE guy on his own team.
-Relationship to Underwood, an elite motivator cited by Kofi.
-Development. Has developed/improved each of his first 2 years at UI. With GA still on staff, and the addition of TA, a proven NBA developer, his development should continue. (This could be our ace in the hole).
-Ayo. Came back to UI for his 3rd year and is now a sure NBA draftee.
-Familiarity. Knows the school, the system and the players, no learning curve or gelling issues.
-Fan love. Not just another face in the loaded roster like at UK. Could translate to NIL $.
-Will be a beloved legend for the rest of his life in the state of Illinois, and with Illini fans all over the country (and world).
Cons
-Not a blue blood. Lacks the sure-fire exposure of UK.
-Without Ayo, team probably not as good as last season. So maybe not as much exposure.
-No Giorgi, the fun factor won't be the same w/o his best bud and roommate.
-No connection to the new ACs.
-NIL $ may be below UK. Good ol' booster money definitely not as good.
-May have to study a little bit.
-Practicing against Lieb probably not as challenging as whoever's on the UK scout team.
