Kentucky won't be the pick for Kofi Cockburn

If you’re worried about how Kofi Cockburn will fit with Oscar Tshiebwe on Kentucky’s crowded roster, you can stop now. The momentum is in Illinois’ favor in the final days before Cockburn’s Friday announcement, and it’s unlikely the All-American big man will transfer to the University of Kentucky for his return to college basketball.

One source told KSR that Kentucky’s coaching staff is not expecting Cockburn to join the team and the interest on Kentucky’s side wasn’t as high as many following the situation believed, myself included. That could be a misdirection on UK’s end in a losing effort, but the likely scenario is Calipari was uninterested in Cockburn because he is good with Tshiebwe—or even better, still hopeful for Jalen Duren. There is talk that Calipari never spoke to Cockburn at all.

As for where UK stands with Duren, I do not know but I do know that dream is not dead. He is down at the Peach Jam this week then he plans to make his college decision soon after he returns home.

We now shift our focus back to Duren Watch.

*** UPDATE ***

LEX18 sports anchor and BBN Tonight host Keith Farmer also heard from “good sources” that Kofi Cockburn will not be a Wildcat, and took it even further to say Cockburn and Calipari never had a conversation.

I can tell you I’ve also heard from good sources Kofi Cockburn is not coming to UK
It didn’t even get to the point where Kofi talked to Calipari.
UK is focusing its efforts on Jalen Duren.

— Keith Farmer (@KeithFarmer18) July 14, 2021

Earlier this morning Jeff Goodman logged a pick for Illinois.

I’m going with the Illini. https://t.co/288rbrRvjc

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) July 14, 2021

Adding to the reports, KSR’s own Matt Jones shared his thoughts on Cockburn’s decision, saying Illinois was the favorite all along.

Kofi Cockburn was always likely returning to Illinois. He had interest in UK and it was explored but ultimately the folks at UK he was speaking with also encouraged a return to Illinois

I know there was info out there counter to this but I think it was incorrect.

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) July 14, 2021