Chambana Sun

Fighting Illini basketball legend Kofi Cockburn is set to return to the University of Illinois campus on February 11 for a special banner raising ceremony. The event is part of the Illinois Basketball Honored Jerseys program, recognizing Cockburn's contributions to the team.

Cockburn, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, holds a prominent place in Illinois Basketball history. He was twice named a consensus All-American and played a crucial role in two Big Ten Championship victories. During his three years with the Illini, he amassed 1,546 points and 861 rebounds, making him the leading scorer and rebounder among three-year players. Additionally, he holds the record for career double-doubles at Illinois with 45.

Expressing his enthusiasm about returning to Champaign, Cockburn said, "I'm extremely excited to return home after such a long time. It feels like decades since I've been back to Champaign." He added that having his jersey raised at State Farm Center is "an absolute honor," attributing this recognition to "the support of my staff, my teammates and the #1 fanbase in all of college basketball."

In addition to his other accolades, Cockburn was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2020 and University of Illinois Athlete of the Year in 2022. He joins Dee Brown as one of only two Illini players to receive multiple selections to the Wooden Award All-America Team.

Currently playing professionally overseas with Seoul Samsung Thunders in South Korea, Cockburn is now in his third season abroad.

The banner raising ceremony will coincide with an Illinois game against UCLA at State Farm Center on February 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets for this event are still available for purchase online through FightingIllini.com.