Illinois junior Kofi Cockburn will enter the 2022 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility. This is why you NEED to draft Kofi Cockburn! Illinois star Kofi Cockburn enters 2022 NBA Draft, will sign with agent Both NBA prospects in the 71, 230lb Christian Koloko and the 74, 285lb Zach Edey. This is not a death knell for their careers, of course -- players like Jose Alvarado and Fred VanVleet have carved out roles in the NBA after being undrafted, it's part of the business -- but it is a milestone worth remembering. Since Michigan coach Juwan Howard took over at his alma mater in 2019-20, he has beaten every Big Ten team multiple times except the one that represents the Chicago native's home state. Per shotquality.com hes 97th percentile in offensive rebounding, 96th percentile in defensive rebounding, and 92nd percentile in blocks. Every year, two of the most interesting takeaways. "I'm closing one of the most amazing chapters of my life," Cockburn told ESPN on Wednesday. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. He doesnt have any illusions about his professional arc mirroring his success in college. STAT WEAKNESSES. March Madness is here, which means NBA scouts and executives get a concentrated look at how many of the top prospects perform on an elevated stage. Underclassmen had until Sunday, April 26th at 11:59 p.m. EST to declare for the 2020 NBA Draft. 1. Its not like players of his size or weight arent playing in the NBA. I agree to receive the "CBS Sports HQ Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. I would like to take this time to dive in deeper on why Kofi Cockburn can be the possible best player in college, yet likely not get drafted. Kofi Cockburn entered his name in the draft for 2021 and participated in the G League Elite Camp measuring 611, 298 pounds, 7.2% body fat, 93 standing reach and 74 wingspan. Koloko is one of the best defensive centers playing college basketball. Every player is better. Kofi Cockburn was one of the top prospects available in the 2022 NBA Draft but at the end of the day no team was interested in him during the draft, but the good news is that he signed. Kofi Cockburn - C - Illinois - NBA Draft Profile and Stats. His interior defense is a big part of his appeal and his rebounding will certainly translate well. northwestern college graduation 2022; elizabeth stack biography. NBA mock draft: Jabari Smith remains No. 1, Johnny Davis rising Full 2022 NBA Mock Draft - Round 2. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. It is improbable as all of the mock drafts are leaving Illinois off the board. Jalen Williams - Santa Clara 6'6" 190 SF jr. 43. Mock Drafts. His defense isnt bad in college. Cockburns size is a factor around the rim defensively even if he does not block a lot of shots. Top five fits for Kofi Cockburn in the 2022 NBA Draft - CBB Review Position: F. Height and weight: 6-foot-10, 235 lbs. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images), May 20, 2022; Chicago, IL, USA; Kofi Cockburn (88) participates in the 2022 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena. Allowing 0.79 points per post up possession [59th percentile], very few big men could move him off of spots on the low block. 2022 NBA Draft: Kofi Cockburn insists he'll have impact at next level May 25 2022 7:58AM PST In the only two seasons he played after winning Big Ten Rookie of the Year at the University of Illinois, Kofi Cockburn was a two-time consensus All-American. He knows what kind of guy I am, Cockburn said of Dosunmu. The King of Champaign came, saw and certainly conquered. If he could pass out of the short roll(((a short roll is when there is a pick and roll but the roll man doesnt do a full roll to the basket. Its a whole different ballgame. Cockburns size is a factor around the rim defensively even if he does not block a lot of shots. Its always obstacles, Cockburn said. Oklahoma City Thunder: Paolo Banchero, Duke. Im ready whenever you pass it to score it or do whatever I need to do. Scoring. The problem for Kofi is hes effective at what he does, why would Illinois mess with that by playing him in a way that may hinder team success. Illini fans will remember Nnanna Egwu and his subpar hands and catching ability. at the NBA scouting combine in May. Minnesotas Eric Curry is 69 240lb. While it is unlikely that Kofi Cockburn hears his name called this . Top prospects not selected in 2022 NBA Draft: Scotty Pippen Jr., Kofi With the NBA draft less than a week away, ESPN writer Jonathan Givony released one of his final 2022 NBA mock drafts, which projects Jonathan Davis to go in the top 10 picks. Cockburn worked out with five NBA teams (one of which being the Utah Jazz) and participated at the NBA Draft Combine prior to last night. But in the NBA, there wont always be the short and light defenders. Hes playing at an elite level in his second season and is looking more and more like a first round pick. May 20, 2022; Chicago, IL, USA; Kofi Cockburn (88) participates in the 2022 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena. Scoring 1.00 points per post up possession [84th percentile] his efficiency on the block was the cornerstone of Illinois half court offense. Kofi Cockburn declares for 2022 NBA Draft: Illinois star big man Yet with a beaming smile and seemingly boundless joy, Cockburn countered with unwavering commitment. Always liked Bruce as a coach and as a man. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Please play responsibly. He could also stand to improve his shot blocking as he averaged just 1.2 per game throughout his entire career at Illinois. Cockburns only a projected late second-round pick by most draft experts, but had one of the best careers of anyone to wear the orange and blue. Following a three-year career at Illinois, center Kofi Cockburn signed his first professional contract with the Utah Jazz early this morning after going undrafted Thursday night. NBA Draft 2022. While the Illini fan base was understandably sad to see him depart, Cockburn was able to leave Champaign as a Big Ten champion. AT&T Deals. . He is not the most nimble big man, but has rare strength and a strong motor. However, there are many centers in the league who cant shoot. "This journey has been a. The Bulls need size. The on ball defender has more length, more strength. Cockburn, who was a consensus All-American, averaged 20.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and one blocked shot in 28 games. Weve seen teams with quality point guards get wide open mid range looks as they come off the screen, lose their defender, and Kofi is far away from the action by the rim. I dont want it to be misconstrued when reading this next paragraph because Kofi has improved and has feel and touch around the basket. Notre Dames Paul Atkinson and Nate Laszewski are both 610 and in the 220s for weight. He establishes position well and throws his weight around in the paint. We have the brackets, dates, time, matchups, TV channels, live streaming outlets and more for the 2023 Ivy League Conference Tournament here. 65 player eligible. Kofi Cockburn Stats, News, Bio | ESPN The roller will stop at the free throw line to become an outlet or safety valve for the ball handler to pass to. Kofi Cockburn's return to the Illinois basketball lineup turned the tide in a good way for their quest for a conference crown as has Trent Frazier's return after testing the NBA Draft. Points. Kofi is an old school big man who acts as an enforcer inside. He looks like a senior in high school playing against freshmen. [89th percentile]. Seabron's lack of shooting has kept NBA draft buzz from building. Maybe more so a dream for Illini Fans, but the pair of Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn would be an excellent source of advertising for the Bulls. His jersey will hang here.. With that in mind, we give you the best bet options for a big Saturday slate. This is why you NEED to draft Kofi Cockburn! He is a SLEEPER! | 2022 [] last few years of Illinois basketball have been controlled by a dominant center. He signed a one-year deal with the Niigata Albirex BB in the . Kofi Cockburn scouting report: 2022 NBA Draft profile - MobSports Kofi Cockburn is Breaking Out - Future150/Brian Flinn: . The 7-foot, 285-pound junior center grabbed 18 boards the most by an Illini player in a non-overtime game in 25 seasons to go with his 17 points. STAT STRENGTHS. I dont think anybodys able to stop me from getting a rebound or getting an extra possession if I want to. Here is CBT's full 2020 NBA Draft early entry tracker. I figure if these guys are going to shoot, Im going to rebound, he said. Cockburn is a dominant big man who stepped all over the Big Ten for three years. The draft sequence was created using the standings entering Monday, Jan. 10. 1:46 pm ET. He is not ranked in the CBS Sports Top 60 Big Board for the 2022 NBA Draft. 2022 NBA mock draft: Jabari Smith rises; Paolo Banchero No. 1 - Yahoo! In addition to his adaptability, he cited his motor as the trait he hopes NBA scouts and decision-makers see. Top prospects not selected in 2022 NBA Draft: Scotty Pippen Jr., Kofi Cockburn among notable snubs There were some well-known names that were not called during Thursday's NBA Draft By. [59th percentile], very few big men could move him off of spots on the low block. Odds and lines subject to change. Making the easy play returning the ball back out to the perimeter out of double teams and experimenting a bit with midrange shots, Cockburns skill level evolved a bit over his three seasons in college, but he still does much of his damage in the lane and looks for his shot assertively. Morant to miss 'at least' two games after IG post, Celtics seek revenge against streaking Knicks, Bucks vs. 76ers odds, picks, computer sims, NBA DFS picks, lineups, advice, March 4 strategy, Grizzlies' Clarke out for season with Achilles injury, Raptors vs. Wizards odds, picks, computer sims, Window for Durant, Suns is open -- until it's not, Morant to miss two games after video with gun, Nuggets beat Grizz, likely lock up West's top spot, Randle's game-winner runs Knicks' win streak to eight. Illinois junior Kofi Cockburn on Wednesday announced he will hire an agent and declare for the 2022 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility.. Cockburn, who was a consensus All-American, averaged 20.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and one blocked shot in 28 games. 2022 NBA Draft scouting report for Illinois C Kofi Cockburn, Tennessee Tech forces OT in OVC championship game [VIDEO]. I have a killer mindset. NBA rules allow for a player to test the draft only twice while still returning; a third time is the point of no return. Atlanta enters the pre-draft process with the 16th and 44th picks, respectively. Hes a limited offensive player in terms of his ability to stretch out and hit the 3 but hes a productive and effective post player who does a great job of taking it hard to the rim. Despite most, if not all, NBA mock drafts having Kofi not getting selected in the first or. 2022 NBA Draft scouting report for Illinois C Kofi Cockburn Among those who did not hear their name called on draft night were Big Ten star Kofi Cockburn, Scotty Pippen Jr., Jean Montero and a host of other college standouts who somehow flew under the radar. Kofi Cockburn entered his name in the draft for 2021 and participated in the G League Elite Camp measuring 6'11", 298 pounds, 7.2% body fat, 9'3" standing reach and 7'4" wingspan. Good Morning, Illini Nation: Kofi Cockburn and the NBA Draft This summer is going to be a big one for the 7-foot center, who will have to prove his worth to the Jazz in order to be offered a two-way contract or even a spot on the roster in the future. Should Cockburn achieve his dream, he most likely will have to follow a similar path to Dosunmu, a second-round pick last year who proved the entire league wrong by crafting a rookie season so encouraging he earned an NBA All-Rookie Second-Team selection. But not everyone had the pleasure of hearing their names called. Using his frame and length well, hes an effective area rebounder and puts a body on opposing big men inside. Through other aspects of the game, however, Cockburn thinks he can be a contributor. If he were to turn pro, I dont think he would be drafted. Cockburn, who was a. He had his best game on Friday with 19 points and 11 rebounds. [84th percentile] his efficiency on the block was the cornerstone of Illinois half court offense. 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). If he could defend ball screens and score around the rim, thats an NBA player. Cockburn, a 7-foot center, declared for the draft after his junior season at Illinois. Passing? Kofi Cockburn C - Illinois (Jamaica) - HT: 7-0 - WT: 293 - WING: 7-4 1/4 - Jr - Kofi is a throwback, enforcer type of big man who dominates in the paint. 5 centers the Bulls could consider taking in the 2022 Draft Declaring for and withdrawing from the 2020 NBA Draft, Cockburn showed growth in his second year in Champaign. And given the way the game at the NBA level has changed, defending in space may be a real threat to his pro prospects and others of his ilk who play a more traditional back-to-the-basket game as a big. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Make Yahoo Your Homepage. Cockburn, like all college and international basketball players, has until end of day on April 24 to declare for the 2022 NBA draft. Establishing deep position, operating decisively off seals or drop steps, and drawing fouls in bunches he finished the year ranked among the most efficient volume scorers in the country.