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. 2022 NBA Draft scouting report for Illinois C Kofi Cockburn, Tennessee Tech forces OT in OVC championship game [VIDEO]. 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. Declaring for and withdrawing from the 2020 NBA Draft, Cockburn showed growth in his second year in Champaign. The problem I see for Kofi Cockburn is I dont think he is overly athletic compared to most around the rim centers and that hurts his draft stock. Kofi Cockburn dunks through contact Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports Most Read Will Barton bought out, Jordan Goodwin to be converted to a standard contract Barton remains eligible to join a team's . Top prospects not selected in 2022 NBA Draft: Scotty Pippen Jr., Kofi Unless they see me at the next level theyll have no idea what Im capable of, so there will always be doubts.. 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. Position: F. Height and weight: 6-foot-10, 235 lbs. The Bulls have the 18th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft . Its always obstacles, Cockburn said. 1 pick in next month's. Since being eliminated, Cockburn has embraced possibly entering the draft, though he has two more years of NCAA eligibility. The normal answer is that the game is played differently nowadays, but this may not suffice for you. pic.twitter.com/yGmCisdwj5, Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) May 20, 2022. See where Johnny Davis goes in the latest ESPN mock draft - Badgers Wire In his interview, he gushed at the thought of being reunited with. About a half-hour before Kofi Cockburn sat down before the largest crowd of reporters for any prospect at this weeks NBA Draft Combine, one league executive delivered a chilling assessment of the former University of Illinois stars draft prospects. Why Illinois' Kofi Cockburn turned down an NIL payday to realize his 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. . I dont think anybodys able to stop me from getting a rebound or getting an extra possession if I want to. Full 2022 NBA Mock Draft - Round 2. Kofi Cockburn does dominate in the paint in college. You'll find a full breakdown of what players are deciding. Will Cockburn stay or will he go? | Sports | news-gazette.com Oh and there is this thing in the NBA called defensive three-seconds. 65 player eligible. AT&T Deals. Still, despite stardom in college, how high he goes in the draft -- if at all -- is a separate question entirely. Why Kofi Cockburn isn't on NBA Mock Drafts - Hoop Informatics Kofi Cockburn - Illinois 7'0" 293 C jr. 13. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nba | pageType: stories | NFL. He signed a one-year deal with the Niigata Albirex BB in the . Kofi Cockburn NBA DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT Draft Notes Kofi is a massive center with the brute force of an offensive lineman. He knows Im a leader, and he knows Im vocal. Cockburn tested the NBA draft waters in 2020 . NHL. Measured standing 70 in shoes with a powerfully built 293-pound frame and a 74.25 wingspan at the 2022 NBA Draft Combine, Cockburn is one of the largest players in the sport even after shedding some weight over his three collegiate seasons. June 23, 2022. Win Shares. (((data via nba.com))). Having a bounce back year at the foul line, Cockburn has more to gain from improving as a free throw shooter than most as his size makes him a magnet for fouls. 2022 NBA Draft Big Board: Updated Top 50 Prospects He could also stand to improve his shot blocking as he averaged just 1.2 per game throughout his entire career at Illinois. Illinois junior Kofi Cockburn will enter the 2022 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports The NBA Draft is. This is why you NEED to draft Kofi Cockburn! He flirted with Florida State and Kentucky before ultimately deciding to return to Champaign . A defensive player cannot be in the paint for longer than 3 seconds, unless they are actively guarding someone. Kofi Cockburn: C: 8.20%: 9.75: Cockburn said Dosunmu suggested he show his athleticism, speed and vertical, things scouts weigh heavily. Kofi is an old school big man who acts as an enforcer inside. Make Yahoo Your Homepage. If he could defend ball screens and score around the rim, thats an NBA player. The Pacers have been rumored to be shipping off Myles Turner this offseason leaving them with a sizeable role to fill. 2022 NBA Draft Consensus Big Board While it is important to form one's own prospect evaluations, it is a valuable exercise to get a pulse on how the market values prospects that comprise a given draft class. Doing a nice job moving bodies before the catch and operating quickly once he got the ball, Cockburn showed the ability to make hooks over both shoulders and use drop steps to initiate contact, but did a lot of scoring off the way he could seal defenders out of plays. In addition to his adaptability, he cited his motor as the trait he hopes NBA scouts and decision-makers see. The reality for Cockburn is hes betting on himself, potentially passing on seven figures in name, image and likeness money now available at the collegiate level to pursue a dream that could begin on a bumpy path. Former Illinois basketball great Kofi Cockburn is going to get his shot at the NBA Draft. The NBA is a whole different level. Kofi is a massive center with the brute force of an offensive lineman. 9:50 am ET, What UNC must do to secure NCAA tourney bid, Winners, losers: Kansas blown out in finale, Duke vs. North Carolina prediction, spread, live stream, 2023 NCAA Women's Tournament: Conference Tourney dates, Picks for Saturday's top college basketball games, Illini star Cockburn leaving school, turning pro, Winners & Losers: Kansas blown out in season finale, Texas A&M holds off rally from Alabama for key win, Edey highlights Wooden Award finalists, Miller left off, Detroit-Mercy's Davis doesn't catch Maravich, Hey 19: Surging Blue Devils back in top 10, LOOK: Notre Dame's Brey parties with students, Court report: Strange resumes, best turnarounds. 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. With James Wiseman coming off an injury, Kevon Looneys contract expiring, and Draymond Green not getting any younger, the Warriors will need a backup big. STAT STRENGTHS. However, this doesnt mean there was zero interest in 7-foot center. Get ready for March Madness by adding to your 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. Kofi Cockburn was one of the best in college basketball a backdown bruiser who won pretty much any [], Top five fits for Kofi Cockburn in the 2022 NBA Draft, CBB Review Courtside Jaz Shelley (Season 3, Episode 1), 2023 Big Sky Tournament Preview & Conference Awards, 2023 America East Tournament Preview & Conference Awards, 2023 Summit League Tournament Preview & Conference Awards, 2023 SoCon Tournament Preview & Conference Awards. Massive center who had a stellar season at the collegiate level imposing his will on the interior and cleaning the glass. The Mardini sisters story is shared in Netflixs The Swimmers, Kofi Cockburn agrees to professional contract with Japanese basketball club Niigata Albirex BB, Campus Raising Canes sets late Feb. open date, Orkin labels Champaign 11th-worst Bed Bug City in nation, Notes, player grades from Illinois mens basketballs electric comeback against No. He must stay by the rim. Cockburn fits the mold of an old-school, back-to-the-basket big man. 2022 looks like another strong draft class with depth through the second round . Kofi Cockburn has not shown the mobility to play an aggressive or even versatile pick and roll defense. Ranking among the most productive back to the basket scorers in the country and facing as many double teams as nearly any player over the last decade, the massive big man imposed his will on opposing centers down low. The All-American will be given a chance to prove himself to the NBA this summer with the Jazz reportedly offering the former Illinois big an Exhibit 10 contract. Looking to put defenders in the rim with room to gather and catching some lobs, his weight loss afforded him some additional lift as a junior. Pos Body Fat% Hand Length (Inches) Hand Width (Inches) Heaight W/o shoes Height W/ Shoes Standing Reach Weight (Lbs) Wingspan . NBA players with a similar height and wingspan include, Nikola Vucevic, Damian Jones, Karl-Anthony Towns, Alex Len, Evan Mobley, Steven Adams, and Ivica Zubac. PER. Underclassmen had until Sunday, April 26th at 11:59 p.m. EST to declare for the 2020 NBA Draft. 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. (LogOut/ Kofi is a part of the Jazz. "To play in the NBA has been a longtime dream of mine and I truly think it's time for me to take that next step," he said on Twitter. FINANCE. But now that college players can be paid, Kofi can make a lot of money coming back for a senior season and it may be his best option financially. There are a couple of reasons why I think Kofi could potentially get picked in the NBA Draft. 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. section: | slug: top-prospects-not-selected-in-2022-nba-draft-scotty-pippen-jr-kofi-cockburn-among-notable-snubs | sport: basketball | route: article_single.us | This is a ranking (not a 'mock-draft'). Sign up for the The Rookie Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Jalen Williams - Santa Clara 6'6" 190 SF jr. 43. 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. Kevin Duckworth+ : 67 Karlo Matkovic: PF - Bosnia - HT: 6 . Liddell and Duane Washington will have the opportunity to impress scouts at the NBA G League Elite Camp this weekend. Iowa starts a big that is 69 222lb. He would likely sign on with a team and play in the G League. Try a week on us. James Harden, Rockets Serious About Reunion; Sixers Currently 'Unconcerned' Ja Morant Accused Of Threatening, Violent Behavior In Multiple Off-Court Incidents All-American Kofi Cockburn to hire agent, declare for NBA draft at I think something that is commonly said that Kofi needs to improve is his mid range and outside shooting. Cockburn seems to be embarking on his professional career with the proper attitude one that former college stars could struggle with when jumping to the NBA. Kofi was 5/15 from the field vs Koloko and 3/9 vs Edey. Notre Dames Paul Atkinson and Nate Laszewski are both 610 and in the 220s for weight. 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. Cockburn is ready for his turn. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. His weaknesses fit the bill of an old-school big man as he doesnt have much of a shooting range outside of the low post. That means committing to a role of doing the dirty work, something hes showcased at this weeks combine scrimmages. Robin No More, Kofi Cockburn Has Illinois Aiming High No team is going to put me as their star player. Kofi Cockburn 2022 Draft Profile | Tankathon Player Rankings updated 16 days ago | Draft Order updated after every game. If he plays and develops in the G League, its possible he finds his way into the NBA and plays rotation back up big minutes in the regular season for a few seasons, but the upside for Kofi Cockburn in the NBA isnt there. Ill definitely contribute, whether thats rebounding, giving you extra possessions, setting good screens, rolling, stuff that I do at a high level. He is not the most nimble big man, but has rare strength and a strong motor. Change). The All-American will be given a chance to prove himself to the NBA this summer with the Jazz reportedly offering the former Illinois big an Exhibit 10 . I can adapt to whatever environment you put me into., Former University of Illinois big man Kofi Cockburn on his experience at the NBA Draft Combine. Prior to The Oklahoman, Darnell covered the University of Akron men's basketball, preps and recruiting at the Akron Beacon Journal. Thanks for watching and stay tuned for more!I own none of the footage in the video, it is intended for the purposes of critique and education.#koficockburn #. It is improbable as all of the mock drafts are leaving Illinois off the board. Mid range shooting? Odds and lines subject to change. Chet Holmgren - Gonzaga 7'0" 195 C frosh. 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. Overall, there was little doubt that the All-American would one day grace the courts of the NBA. 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. Highlights: Illinois' Kofi Cockburn Declares for the 2022 NBA Draft | Big Ten In the NBA Draft Watch on Granted, in the second round teams should be taking riskier picks with high. By Nick Simon @Nick_JSimon Jun 17, 2022, 3:35am PDT David Banks-USA TODAY Sports The 2022 NBA Draft order has been set and the list of eligible players is officially locked in. 2020 NBA Draft Early Entry Tracker - NBCSports.com 2022 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Who will shine during March Madness? Cockburn is the fifth of the Illini's top seven scorers from last year set to either transfer, graduate or go pro, joining the likes of Andre Curbelo and Alfonso Plummer. I think that Im ready right now to go to the NBA. He makes the money sound like an afterthought. Kofi is one dimensional on offense. Follow us onFacebook! Banchero exploded for 16 points alone in the third quarter to lead the Magic to a win over the Hornets. I dont think that anything should be able to stop me at any time.. He recently entered his name into the NBA draft and will be one of the most unique players on the board. This is my greatest concern for Kofi Cockburn in the NBA where a center is constantly defending ball screens. What that means to me is that Kofi is a bubble player when it comes to getting selected. Kofi Cockburn Stats, News, Bio | ESPN Former Illinois center Kofi Cockburn was among the draft-eligible prospects to work out with the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, the team announced. Doing a nice job moving bodies before the catch and operating quickly once he got the ball, Cockburn showed the ability to make hooks over both shoulders and use drop steps to initiate contact, but did a lot of scoring off the way he could seal defenders out of plays. How much can he improve his stock in the college game with the difficulty set to easy? Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. For a handful of teams at the bottom of the standings, however,. The Pacers are a young team and with them being rumored to be going after guards in free agency, its almost fitting that they draft a backup center to hold down that fort for the time being. Off Win Shares. Cockburn tested the NBA Draft waters each of the past two years and briefly entered the transfer portal last season before returning to Illinois and putting up a career year. His ability to finish well-placed lobs and make an impact on the glass played a role in that, as did the improvement of his left hand. Looking at the numbers per Synergy, 66th percentile in defending post ups and 78th percentile in defending the roll man in pick and rolls. Kofi is an old school big man who acts as an enforcer inside. Kofi Cockburn declares for 2022 NBA Draft: Illinois star big man Cockburns size is a factor around the rim defensively even if he does not block a lot of shots. Points. May 23, 2022 5:47 pm ET Former Illinois center Kofi Cockburn was among the draft-eligible prospects to work out with the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, the team announced. Cockburn came to Illinois as a four-star recruit and continued to improve each year. Lacking a degree of lift, Cockburn nonetheless showed some ability to protect the rim when the action came to him. 2022 NBA Mock Draft. Eligibility restrictions apply. Here's a look at Illinois C Kofi Cockburn. The center is the most important defensive position as they are the most involved with ball screen actions and protecting the rim. Kofi Cockburn (Illinois: Big, Junior, 7-0) . The roller will stop at the free throw line to become an outlet or safety valve for the ball handler to pass to. He looks like a senior in high school playing against freshmen. If he were to turn pro, I dont think he would be drafted. E.J. 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). As an undrafted free agent, this is exactly the type of opportunity Cockburn needed. But hes projected to be selected in the second round at best, with multiple mock drafts not forecasting him to be picked at all. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. 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. 5 centers the Bulls could consider taking in the 2022 Draft For this . This is why you NEED to draft Kofi Cockburn! He is a SLEEPER! | 2022 NBA players with a similar height and wingspan include, Nikola Vucevic, Damian Jones, Karl-Anthony Towns, Alex Len, Evan Mobley, Steven Adams, and Ivica Zubac. How can a basketball player dominate the competition in college, but is no where to be seen on NBA mock drafts? NBA Draft 2022: Wizards select Keegan Murray in recent mock NBA rules allow for a player to test the draft only twice while still returning; a third time is the point of no return. Without NIL, Kofi would be gone, playing in the G League or Europe. 2022 NBA Draft: Tracking the undrafted free agents However, there are many centers in the league who cant shoot. Hes playing at an elite level in his second season and is looking more and more like a first round pick. 2022 marks the third time the big man had declared for the NBA Draft, as hed chosen to return to Illinois the previous two times. He attempted only one 3-pointer throughout his three seasons in college. He doesnt have any illusions about his professional arc mirroring his success in college. [59th percentile], very few big men could move him off of spots on the low block. These teams should give a look at Kofi Cockburn in the 2022 NBA Draft. Sharing Your Mock Draft. Illinois star big man Kofi Cockburn, a two-time consensus All-American with the Fighting Illini, announced Wednesday he will forgo his remaining college eligibility and is entering the 2022 NBA Draft. With Greg Popovich seemingly staying another year, who better to help Kofi Cockburn utilize his skills than the man who coached Tim Duncan. He had his best game on Friday with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Like all of these teams, Cockburn would be in a developmental or backup role, but he could have the potential to thrive down the line in San Antonio. 2022 NBA Draft Consensus Big Board - Rookie Scale My goal has been to go to the NBA for a very long time, he said. Cockburn, like all college and international basketball players, has until end of day on April 24 to declare for the 2022 NBA draft. Many of the players who were undrafted are only surprises because the scouting community was high on them and by extension expected they would be taken with a Round 1 or Round 2 pick. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. There is room in the league for players that can dominate around the rim. Every mock draft made by fans is allocated a unique URL. Illinois Basketball: Kofi Cockburn getting his shot to impress NBA scouts NBA draft: Combine player comparisons based on results from Chicago The NBA Draft is nearing, and the Illinois basketball team is looking to get a player selected for the second-straight season. He was the only Division I player to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds and was the only player to rank in the top 20 in each category. Look for him to rise up draft boards. [] last few years of Illinois basketball have been controlled by a dominant center. The draft sequence was created using the standings entering Monday, Jan. 10. If I go back to school, thats one more year of delaying my improvement to the next level. This post originally appeared onRookie Wire! Cockburn, a dominant 7-footer, was one of only four players in college hoops last season to average a double-double in points and rebounds, with 20.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. In putting the NBA on hold last year, Cockburn was considered one of college basketball's most dominant returning bigs and established himself as exactly that. Who is Kofi Cockburn: His NBA status and what is he doing now? [89th percentile]. late first to mid second round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, 5-Star Corner: Patrick Baldwin Jr. Interview, A Closer Look At Bronny James as a NBA Draft Prospect, Talented Sons of Famous NBA Fathers Part 2, The 10 Top Freshmen In High School Basketball Class of 2026 Recruits, Re-Draft of the 2022 NBA Draft, Top 20 2 Months Into The Season, My Guys Prospects Im Irrationally High On In The 2023 Draft, 2023 NBA Draft Big Board Early Season Edition, Upperclassmen Moving Up The Draft Board The Desmond Bane Effect, The Elite 25 The Top NBA Prospects In High School Basketball Fall 2022, 2026 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings (2025 recruiting class), Victor Wembanyamas Physical Profile and NBA Comparisons. Making major progress with his game in the summer before his freshman year, he averaged 13.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game as a true freshman under coach Brad Underwood at Illinois. This time, however, there's no turning back. While the Illini fan base was understandably sad to see him depart, Cockburn was able to leave Champaign as a Big Ten champion. Good Morning, Illini Nation: Kofi Cockburn and the NBA Draft 2023 NBA Mock Draft - Tankathon | 2022 NBA Draft Order & Lottery Simulator FINAL - June 23, 2022 at 5:00 pm. 2022 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Predicting all 58 picks, starting off . Kofi Cockburn - C - Illinois - NBA Draft Profile and Stats. A center isnt a pressing need in Chicago, but Nikola Vucevics defensive liability in the paint is noticeable. The following big board represents the current consensus outlook for the 2022 NBA Draft. Full schedule, bracket for 2023 Ivy League Conference Tournament. 2022.12.24 22:28 Gigastorm55 The Fandom Wiki gives very interesting informations about the game. section: | slug: kofi-cockburn-declares-for-2022-nba-draft-illinois-star-big-man-forgoing-remaining-eligibility-to-enter-pros | sport: collegebasketball | route: article_single.us |