Why are insiders continuing to push that Kofi is more likely to return than to leave? That just seems opposite of common sense. He hasn't even officially declared yet. I'm sure that will happen shortly. He declared last year as an extremely raw player, and was probably 50/50 or worse on returning. This year he showed polish and flashed a big man game rarely seen at the college level. I think its like 90/10 he's gone. That doesn't mean 1st round NBA grade, just means he'd go play professionally somewhere if he goes undrafted. He turns 22 this year, is a powerful inside force that isn't miraculously going to change into a stretch 5, and his best friend, roommate, fellow international player is not returning.
Wishful thinking perhaps? I agree with you that he's most likely gone. I can make some arguments that he might benefit from staying, but my opinion is irrelevant.
OTOH, maybe he sees how much money Ayo made by staying another year. Still, once most kids get it in their head to leave, they leave.