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Up Next: Big Ten Tournament

Up Next: Big Ten Tournament

Fighting Illini basketball prepares for long conference tournament weekend.

Peyton Wesner – Producer and Men’s Basketball Reporter
March 11, 2020

It’s been a while since the Fighting Illini have encountered a ‘TBD’ opponent at the Big Ten Tournament.

In fact, the last time was 2009 when the conference had eleven schools and Mike Davis was on the team. Davis may be long gone, but this Illinois group is just as talented as its predecessors.

The No. 21 Fighting Illini have enjoyed the fruits of a double-bye this week. The team was off on Monday while yesterday focused on individual drills. Today, the team scrimmaged with simulated game situations.

“It’s all about us. There’s been no game prep,” said head coach Brad Underwood on Wednesday. “It’s almost like a breath of fresh air hit you when you get out of the grind of league play.”

The Big Ten Tournament features six Top 25 teams, two more than any other conference. Illinois could play a ranked team in any game, including its quarterfinal on Friday.

“We’re looking forward to Indianapolis. It can be one of those elite tournaments where literally anyone can win it,” said Underwood. “Emotionally, you have to keep it simplistic and every game is just that.

A potential quarterfinal opponent is No. 25 Iowa, who is the fifth seed in the tournament. Led by Big Ten Player of the Year Luka Garza, the Hawkeyes will be looking for retribution following Sunday’s 78-76 loss in Champaign.

If the case, Illinois freshman Kofi Cockburn would be matched up once more with Garza. The Big Ten Freshman of the Year had the game-winning block on Iowa’s star three days ago.

Cockburn will need to bring his best for Underwood’s squad to streak through the tournament. Big Ten postseason honorees Jalen Smith of Maryland or Xavier Tillman of Michigan State exist as potential one-on-one matchups for Cockburn later this week.

“Every team in the Big Ten has a really good big man. And, every night is a different challenge,” said Cockburn. “It’s mental growth as much as it’s physical growth.”

Ayo Dosunmu has been extremely impressive since returning on February 18. The sophomore is averaging 19.7 points per game, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists over his last six games.

“I’m feeling great. I put a lot of work, a lot of sweat into my game,” said Dosunmu of this week. “Selection Sunday is coming up, so it would be a great impression.”

Illinois will travel to Indianapolis later today. The team’s first game will be early Friday afternoon (approximately 1:30 p.m.) against either Iowa, Minnesota or Northwestern.

Headlines, Wesner Wrap

Cockburn wins Big Ten Freshman of Year, Dosunmu earns First Team honors

Cockburn wins Big Ten Freshman of Year, Dosunmu earns First Team honors

Freshman-sophomore duo accomplish feats last achieved in 2010.

Peyton Wesner – Producer and Men’s Basketball Reporter
March 9, 2020

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — One day after the No. 21 Fighting Illini (21-10, 13-7) vanquished Iowa, freshman center Kofi Cockburn wasted no time in starting the postseason off right by being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. The seven-foot center is the first Illinois player since DJ Richardson in 2010 to win the award.

“He’s impacted our program in every aspect,” said head coach Brad Underwood of Cockburn on Sunday. “He’s had some unbelievable moments in the best league in the country.”

Cockburn concludes his first collegiate regular season averaging 13.3 points per game to go along with 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. The Kingston, Jamaica, native’s twelve double-doubles rank fifth among all freshmen in NCAA Division I basketball.

Cockburn was not the only Fighting Illini to receive conference honors on Monday. Sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu became the first Illinois All-Big Ten First Team selection since Demetri McCamey, also, in 2010.

“Find anybody whose better. Find anybody who has made more game-winners and impacted a team,” said Underwood. “We were a shell of ourselves the game we played without him, and he’s been absolutely as good on both ends of the court.”

Dosunmu is leading his team in points and assists for a second consecutive season. The Morgan Park product scored double-figure points in 17 of his 19 conference games and has posted nearly 20 points per game since returning from injury on February 18.

Illinois will begin its pursuit of a conference tournament title on Friday, March 13. Thanks to a double-bye, the Fighting Illini’s first game will be in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. The last time Illinois won the conference tournament was 2005 — a year when they had a free pass to the quarterfinals as well.

A third matchup with Iowa could welcome Underwood’s group in Indianapolis.

“We don’t like each other. Simple as that,” said Dosunmu. “They want to kill us. We want to kill them.”

Wesner Wrap

Underwood: This Game Doesn’t Define Anything

“We’re a game out of first … This game doesn’t define anything” – Brad Underwood

 

In front of a sold-out State Farm Center crowd, the Fighting Illini showed signs of a team ready for sole possession of first place in the Big Ten. After leading 14-points in the first half, Maryland fought their way back with a convincing show of defense. Taking the lead in the second half and never looking back.

Wesner Wrap: Free Falling?

For more on this loss and what it means in Illinois’ run to the Big Ten Championship, Illini Sports Night’s Peyton Wesner says Coach Underwood is not going to allow his team to lose focus on their goal. A Big Ten Championship.

Illinois faces Michigan State Tuesday night at home. Tip-off is 8:00pm.