Report: Illinois star Cockburn enters transfer portal

Kofi Cockburn entered the transfer portal Thursday, but the 7-foot center hasn't ruled out a return to Illinois, sources told ESPN's Jeff Borzello.

Cockburn declared for the NBA draft in April and recently participated in the NBA G League Elite Camp. However, he didn't receive an invite to the NBA combine.

He has until Wednesday to withdraw from the draft. The 21-year-old had a strong sophomore season in 2020-21, averaging 17.7 points, 9.5 boards, and 1.3 blocks over 31 appearances.

Cockburn also earned All-Big Ten first-team honors and was on the Wooden Award late-season watch list.

Illinois finished 24-7 last season as the program captured its first Big Ten Tournament title since 2005 as well as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.