Kofi Cockburn returns to Illinois
- Status
What does his 2nd Team All American status have to do with anything? That doesn't change the fact, as you put it in reference to Payne, Kofi has no real offensive game aside from dunks, no real jump shots. I can point out multiple scouts who agree with that assessment too. Not to say Kofi can't expand. I also think he's a great college athlete.
I'm happy to have Kofi on the team. But I'm also happy to have Payne. You saying, "Im not here to just rag on the kid" doesn't nullify you and mean you didn't do just that. Payne is one of ours now. You're free to "not concerned as much about how he feels about playing time after bringing Kofi back". And you're free to think that way. It's your rightful opinion. But I will point out the holes in your argument
Also, Payne had 16 assist with way less playing time than Kofi. I've seen videos of Payne from High School and College and he can stretch the floor. For all we know, Florida didn't believe in his offensive game and relegated his role to defense only. I choose to not sell the guy short before the season even started
Pittsburgh
- Pennsylvania
Seldom post but had to comment. The xmas eve loss was by 2. The tourney game at Rupp Arena involved the non-call on an apparent travel by Dick Beal. Soon after, teams could not host reg finals at home. We beat Villavova and MD to get to KY in the then 48 team field. A memorable Illini team. Yes, Richardson stood out in KY game.
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
I'm sure this has been posted before, but man if we could see this during a game, we're in for a very good year.
Kofi NBA Draft Junkies
Kofi NBA Draft Junkies
Someone posted a video of Kofi's free throws last year noting how he was shooting from his left shoulder. His shots are from the forehead here. Big difference.
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
Yep! I saw that free throw video, too. It shows that he's able to adjust his mechanics for the better, which makes me really excited.
I remember Cabutti also wow that was like almost 40 years ago
2nd team all American means he is a really good college basketball player. Something Payne is not yet. I hope he improves and becomes great for us.
To say Kofi has "no real offensive game" is rediculous. He is a low block scorer at a 17 ppg clip with room to get better. I never compared the two of them, you did.
Lol, I never said I wasn't happy to have Payne on the team. The initial post was about how Payne may feel about Kofi coming back and potentially cutting into his minutes. My response to that, was that Payne seemed to have been getting a bit overrated by some folks, and that we shouldn't be worried about that because Payne has a ton to prove as a college basketball player.
There are no holes to poke. Me being honest about what Payne is right now doesn't automatically mean I'm ragging on him. If you'd like to defend him to the death, then be my guest.
Also, regardless of minutes 5 and 16 are both terrible, assists wise. Thats not much of a case to make Payne out to be a great playmaker.
I'm on the side of let's get them both better and hope they are both terrific this year. I just don't have as much of a rosey outlook on Payne as you do. I hope he proves me wrong.
No one said anything about whether you are happy to have Payne or not. I simply said I was happy.
Also we were talking about assist. You mentioned Payne's in comparison to Kofi and I provided more context. I don't know why you're mentioning playmaking now. Also, I quoted what you said - and you said "I'm not here to just rag on him" implying you know you're doing just that
But I digress. I agree - let's hope they are both terrific. I don't have a rosey outlook on Payne. I'm just not going to count him out before he's had a chance to do anything.
Last edited:
madillini4
Ozamataz Buckshank
- Millywaukee
I for one am not a fan of the 1LL1NO1S script at all. i find it tacky and was really annoyed our BTT championship banner was written in it.
I haven't read any replies to this point about this comment but here is mine.....Omar Payne is V E R Y under rated if he is put in the right college bb system. He was a top 50 player in HS. Has gotten bigger/stronger (which all players do in college but it's particularly important playing inside). He now has something to prove since the years at FL didn't work out. He is a rim protector at a MINIMUM when Kofi is out. Keep in mind...many people had him as the #2 center in his HS recruiting class and the #3 was....you guessed it..... Kofi
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
Good thing you don't need to hang the banner in your house then.
Of all the retro script jerseys that came back, I think ours are the best. The blues don't look nearly as sharp. The only ones that are better are the Fighting Illini throwbacks.
Loyalillini10
- Urbana, IL
Lining up to your name, I see
24/7 sports lists Kofi as 12th at center position and Omar at 11th in 2019. That class was full of very good centers. But by my rankings they're 1a and 1b. I'm hoping for great things out of the center position this year and Payne is going to be a part of that.
texillwek
🔶🔹🔸🔷
Makes me wonder why the staff didn't hone in on that and course correct?
I played for all three.
The reason you don’t post much is because your as old as me lol - I could not remember if we lost by 2 or 4? Quinn replaced Dereck Harper who left the year before after his Junior year (back then that was very out of the norm). That Illinois team has the rule written for them that does not allow home floor games as you reference. Much like the Illinois team that lost to Miami brought replay to end of game situations. Much like the scUM 4 fumble game lead to replay in football. Unfortunately, Illinois is always the school that gets hosed to bring on a new rule.
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
Thanks for this!
Sorry to keep coming back to it, but I don't think we all totally realize what is going to happen when basketball really starts to "click" for Kofi.
His instincts are still a little raw, and that video shows that he has the athletic ability to get MUCH better.
I really hope we see it this year because he is already a college game changer as is. If he and Belo' make those kinds of leaps, this team could be '05 scary good.
madillini4
Ozamataz Buckshank
- Millywaukee
the script retro whites are fantastic, the other ones i’m talking about are not retro
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
Ah. My bad. I only think of the retro whites as the script jerseys.
Yeah, that type set is not a good look.
I wondered too. Maybe it's something best worked on during the offseason. Once they get into the frenetic schedule of the season, traveling and preparing for the next opponent, I gotta imagine individual skill development takes a backseat.
illini80
- Forgottonia
Ill
take anything with a "defunct" Chief Illiniwek logo on it.
- Status