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Big impact: Illinois basketball centers through the years

Kofi Cockburn measured in at 7-foot and 302 pounds at the Nike Hoop Summit, where he’ll represent Team World in today’s 9 p.m. game. Biggest Illini ever? The 2019 commit certainly has a case. Beat writer Scott Richey judges how he stacks up against the other 7-footers to don the orange and blue this century:

Nick Smith | 7-2, 250; Valrico, Fla.

Tallest Illini ever was his most productive as a redshirt junior in 2003-04, but saw his minutes drop as Illinois reached the NCAA title game the next year.

Mike Tisdale | 7-1, 250; Riverton

Bulked up from 215 pounds during his four seasons at Illinois, where he averaged double-digit points and at least four rebounds his last three years.