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Tennessee basketball recruiting: Vols offer 2019 four-star center

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Rick Barnes of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts in the second half of a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Thompson-Boling Arena on December 17, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. North Carolina won 78-73. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Rick Barnes of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts in the second half of a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Thompson-Boling Arena on December 17, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. North Carolina won 78-73. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee basketball continues to be aggressive on the recruiting trail. The Volunteers recently offered 2019 four-star center Kofi Cockburn.

Related Story: 5 things for Vols basketball to address this offseason

Rick Barnes still has two roster spots to fill for the 2018 Tennessee basketball recruiting class. But that’s not stopping him from being incredibly aggressive on the 2019 recruiting trail as well, and he continued that trend Monday night, according to Grant Ramey of GoVols247.

The Vols offered a scholarship to four-star center Kofi Cockburn out of Christ the King High School in Middle Village, N.Y. At 6’10” 300 pounds, Cockburn is a huge presence who could create major mismatches for teams at the college level.

With Kyle Alexander entering his senior season next year, center is a key position that Barnes is focusing on for 2019. Add in the fact that Admiral Schofield will be a senior and Grant Williams could leave after next year, and it’s clear that the Vols will need to shore up their inside game.

That’s why Cockburn is one of 10 centers they have offered for that year and 15 post players overall. It’s clear that Tennessee basketball has a lot of work to do in that area for the 2019 recruiting class.

Cockburn himself is a bit hard to judge because of his size compared to other high school athletes. Here’s a look at his highlight reel.

As you can see, there are some good things to what he’s doing. Cockburn is aggressive and will dunk the ball if he can. He also has a nice touch on regular and reverse layups, is capable of running the break, and can create his own shot under the basket.

Those are all valuable assets, but it’s difficult to see how it will translate to the next level. One thing we can say about Barnes, though, is that he knows how to evaluate such talent. So he probably knows what he’s doing.

Next: 5 bold predictions for 2018-2019 Vols

Tennessee basketball has a lot to look forward to this upcoming year with its returning talent. But Barnes is doing a good job focusing on the long-term stability of the program. Getting a guy like Cockburn would be another great addition for the future. But the Vols have to compete with numerous other schools to get him. So take a look at where he chooses to go.

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