Kouma to Illinois official

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois made its frontcourt a priority in recruiting the 2019 class, and after signing four-star center Kofi Cockburn last month the Illini added three-star forward Bernard Kouma on Thursday. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound big man signed his financial aid tender after missing the spring signing period for a National Letter of Intent.

"We are excited to officially welcome Bernard Kouma to the Fighting Illini family," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said in a release. "Bernard is a hard worker who has really improved during his years in the U.S.

"He is a skilled big who is a terrific rebounder, can use either hand around the basket, passes it well, and has become a physical presence as his…