Indiana (Pennsylvania) is one of the top teams in Division II.
www.stltoday.com
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — University of Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood doesn’t expect another 67-point blowout in the Fighting Illini’s second exhibition.
In fact, he doesn’t want one.
“There won’t be much talent disparity tomorrow,” Underwood said of Friday’s 7 p.m. exhibition game against Indiana University of Pennsylvania at State Farm Center. “That’s why they’re on the schedule. They’ve got real dudes, real size. I hope they come out and punch us, and I can’t wait to see how we react.”
Named Big Ten Conference Preseason Player of the Year earlier this week, junior center Kofi Cockburn believes the Illini must continue to strive toward the level of toughness Underwood demands.
“Last year’s team had more of an edge because we knew we were a target. Every team wanted to kill us,” Cockburn said. “We don’t have that edge right now. I think we’ll get it soon.”
Cockburn said the Player of the Year honor “means a lot. I worked hard, and it’s paying off right now. It’s a blessing. These guys are going to continue to push me whether I’m Big Ten Player of the Year or not. But it’s always good to get the accolade.”
Speculation is ramping up over whether Cockburn will be hit with a suspension by the NCAA for selling gear before the new name, image and likeness rule allowing such activity went into effect.
“You want to know what’s going on,” admitted Cockburn. “But I’m not really worried about that right now. I’m worried about winning with this team. It’s a really talented team. I’m excited and ready to go.
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This is the most upset I have been regarding the Illini BB team since the B1G buffoons gave scUM the regular season championship without playing all their games.......If Kofi gets any suspension it will be such a travesty and shows the inept leadership by Emmert and his crew of clowns......