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Future Illini big man starts slow, but finishes strong in return

QUEENS, N.Y. — Kofi Cockburn's return to Christ the King High School, his basketball home for three seasons, started slow Thursday evening.

The 6-foot-11, 280-pound Class of 2019 Illinois commit was mostly a non-factor in the first half for Oak Hill Academy (Va.) in the Warriors' quarterfinal matchup against Wasatch Academy (Utah) in the GEICO High School Nationals.

Cockburn showed why he's a consensus four-star, top-45 recruit after halftime. He flashed some rim protector skills on defense and was a physical presence on the offensive end, getting good position down low and finishing with several aggressive dunks.