CHAMPAIGN —Fifteen years ago Kofi Cockburn might have been a top five prospect in the country.
The 2004 class wasn't lacking for big guys — literally big — at the top. Dwight Howard went from No. 1 prospect to No. 1 pick in the NBA draft that same year. Al Jefferson, Randolph Morris, Robert Swift and Glen Davis were all ranked in the top 20.
Even 10 years ago there was a rush on back-to-the-basket big men. Derrick Favors, DeMarcus Cousins, Renardo Sidney, Tiny Gallon, Mouphtaou Yarou, Daniel Orton and Alex Oriakhi were — again — all top 20 prospects.