Former Illini guard Kofi Cockburn announced on Wednesday that he will enter the NBA Draft following his three seasons at Illinois. The 6-foot-3 player is projected as a late second round or early third round pick for the upcoming draft.
Kofi Cockburn, a freshman point guard from the University of Illinois, will enter the NBA draft after three seasons with the Fighting Illini.
Kofi Cockburn, a junior at Illinois, has decided to join the NBA draft in 2022 and forego his remaining NCAA eligibility.
On Wednesday, Cockburn told ESPN, “I’m concluding one of the most beautiful chapters of my life.” “I’m happy of what we did in college, but I’m not sure it can be much better than that; it’s a daunting task now, and I’m looking forward to rising to the occasion and proving people wrong.”
“People would be shocked at the improvement I made in becoming a two-time All-American if they knew where I was three years ago when I started college. In my professional career, I want to do the same thing: push my game to new heights.”
Cockburn has already entered the NBA draft twice, in 2020 and 2021, and according to league rules, he cannot remove his name from consideration for a third time, leaving him unable to return to the NCAA.
“I’m all in right now,” Cockburn remarked. “I’m not returning to college. Todd Ramasar, my agent, has agreed to represent me. I’ve done enough testing to know that I’m 100% committed to going all in “”He’s on his way.”
Cockburn, an unanimous first-team All-American, was the only player in college basketball this past season to average more than 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. He guided the Fighting Illini to a 23-10 record and a Big Ten title, which they shared with Wisconsin. It was the first regular-season title for Illinois since 2005.
“We had a lot of ups and downs if you saw us play,” Cockburn added. “With so many injuries, COVID, and players moving in and out, it was difficult.” We had to make changes. Years from now, people will wonder what it was like to play collegiate basketball during a pandemic.
“Being an All-American for the second year in a row was difficult. Regardless, we came out on top. We had the most victories in the Big Ten in the past three years of any team. That will be remembered for a long time. NBA clubs are aware that I am now a winner. I like having a good time, but I’m also a competitor. It wasn’t about my own objectives. The goal has always been to win. That is self-evident.”
Cockburn, a 7-foot-1 big man from Kingston, Jamaica, was voted first-team All-Big Ten for the second year in a row. He was a nominee for a number of player of the year accolades, including the Wooden and Naismith awards, as well as the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar trophy, which is given to the best center in the country.
Cockburn said, “My ambition is to be one of the top players in the NBA, particularly from Jamaica.” “I’m playing for a larger cause than myself. This is for the sake of my nation and my people.”
With his 7-foot-4 wingspan, 9-foot-3 standing reach, and 285-pound body, Cockburn, the No. 89 prospect in the ESPN 100, has established himself as one of the most physically intimidating players in college basketball over the last three years. According to Synergy Sports Technology, his 341 points scored with his back to the hoop ranks second in college basketball.
“I’m aware that in the NBA, I’ll have to be a different player than I was in college,” he added. “This is a fantastic chance for me.” Against double teams, it won’t be about becoming a low-post scorer. I’m genuinely looking forward to never longer seeing double teams. It’s all about my commitment to being the fittest athlete I can be from now on. When I look around the league, the level of toughness and fitness inspires me. That’s where I’m supposed to be. My physique is fat-free, yet I can lean out and become faster, quicker, and more athletic.
“Players like Steven Adams and Jonas Valanciunas are valued in the NBA because they can set outstanding screens, know how to pick and roll, slip and seal, and be a tough defender and rebounder who can block shots. In the NBA, my size may be a significant benefit. To be happy, I don’t need the ball.”
Illinois will have to replace five of its top seven scorers from last season’s Big Ten title squad, as Alfonso Plummer, Trent Frazier, and Da’Monte Williams are all out of eligibility after five years in college. Andre Curbelo, a sophomore, chose to transfer to St. John’s, while senior Jacob Grandison is indecisive about returning for his fifth season.
Illinois has a solid recruiting class that includes three top-100 talents in Skyy Clark, Ty Rodgers, and Jayden Epps, and is anticipated to be active in chasing veterans via the transfer portal, particularly in the frontcourt. Freshman small forward RJ Melendez was highly rated going into college, while sophomore power forward Coleman Hawkins seems to be on the verge of a breakthrough season.
The NBA draft combine will take place in Chicago from May 16 to 22, and the draft will take place on June 23 in Brooklyn, New York.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA Draft specialist and co-founder of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics firm used by NBA, NCAA, and international clubs.
Kofi Cockburn is a basketball player for the Illinois Fighting Illini. He is from Los Angeles, California and is entering his junior year of college. Reference: where is kofi cockburn from.
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