The center is the most important defensive position as they are the most involved with ball screen actions and protecting the rim. Cockburn tested the NBA draft waters in 2020 . Every matchup from now on will be big as teams look to lock up their spots and seeding for the Mar Here's a look at Illinois C Kofi Cockburn. 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. MLB. His take on the FBI thing is dead. Kofi Cockburn declares for 2022 NBA Draft: Illinois star big man forgoing remaining eligibility to enter pros Cockburn is putting two toes into his pursuit of a professional career. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports. Gambling Problem? Its about long-term success, he said. Kofi Cockburn - Illinois 7'0" 293 C jr. 13. PER. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Key Dates: 2022 NBA Draft May 17 - NBA Lottery . Cockburn to Chicago might be too good to be true, but the fit is there. Follow us onFacebook! Fifty-eight players will now begin the next chapter in their respective professional careers. 1. 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. An Exhibit 10 contract in the NBA is a one-year, minimum-salary contract that is essentially unguaranteed, allowing for the player to be cut by the team or signed to a larger contract down the line. It is improbable as all of the mock drafts are leaving Illinois off the board. I want to give Kofi credit here. Looking a little more spry as his frame improved away from the rim, Cockburn nonetheless remains dramatically more comfortable guarding inside than chasing opposing big men outside of the paint. The Bulls need size. 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. 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. Advanced Per 36 Min Per Game. Tankathon. 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. If he were to turn pro, I dont think he would be drafted. [89th percentile]. Ultimately, this is just a checkpoint as they continue to chase their career -- and some, if not all, will have opportunities either on two-way deals or Exhibit 10 deals to showcase their talents for NBA teams. Kofi is a part of the Jazz. Sign up for the The Rookie Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. The help defenders are more athletic. Cockburn came to Illinois as a four-star recruit and continued to improve each year. 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. Born in Jamaica but growing up in Queens, Cockburns physical dimensions earned him some attention early on and he played in a pair of Nike Hoop Summits over his three seasons at Oak Hill Academy where he finished his senior year ranked among the consensus top-50 prospects in the high school class of 2019. This makes life difficult for the point of attack defender. [84th percentile] his efficiency on the block was the cornerstone of Illinois half court offense. Coach Brad Underwood and staff have seemingly prepared as well as possible, though, with a current top-10 incoming recruiting class led by five-star guard Skyy Clark and four-star recruits Ty Rodgers, Jayden Epps and Sencire Harris. Declaring for and withdrawing from the 2020 NBA Draft, Cockburn showed growth in his second year in Champaign. He would likely sign on with a team and play in the G League. Banchero exploded for 16 points alone in the third quarter to lead the Magic to a win over the Hornets. NBA rules allow for a player to test the draft only twice while still returning; a third time is the point of no return. 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. 1 pick in next month's. submitted by Gigastorm55 to oneshot : 2022.07.18 12:25 . This time, however, there's no turning back. Cockburn initially declared for the NBA draft, only to remove his name and enter the transfer portal. This is a ranking (not a 'mock-draft'). 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. First Round : Second Round : 1. NFL. Cockburns size is a factor around the rim defensively even if he does not block a lot of shots. Cockburn would be a perfect fit for the Warriors to run a four out, one in offense. The Houston Rockets win the NBA Draft Lottery and sent the order in our first 2022 NBA Mock Draft. 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. 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. Lacking a degree of lift, Cockburn nonetheless showed some ability to protect the rim when the action came to him. Kofi is one dimensional on offense. 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. Scoring. June 23, 2022. Cockburn is ready for his turn. There are many different ball screen coverages for a center. Specializing in drafts with top players on the NBA horizon, player profiles, scouting reports, rankings and prospective international recruits. Auburn's . That gives me kind of a relief. 4 seed in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. (LogOut/ 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. 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. You'll find a full breakdown of what players are deciding. "I will be putting my name into the 2022 NBA Draft and signing with an agent.". Well, I am kind of crazy. 1. Allowing. Note that there are now 58 selections in this draft due to Milwaukee and Miami forfeiting their second-round picks.. He is not ranked in the CBS Sports Top 60 Big Board for the 2022 NBA Draft. Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA (select parishes)/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages, Carrying a huge burden on the block, Cockburn ranks among the highest volume back to the basket threats at the high-major level in recent history. Were going to take a look at the top prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and provide a player comparison for how we see them developing at the next level. But a snub is a snub and we must put them on wax to remember those who, despite pre-draft expectations, leave a post-draft world having been excluded from the 58 draft night announcements. In todays era, Cockburn must show he can guard smaller players against switches in pick-and-roll action, while his floor-spacing ability is a real concern. 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. I dont think anybodys able to stop me from getting a rebound or getting an extra possession if I want to. In addition to his adaptability, he cited his motor as the trait he hopes NBA scouts and decision-makers see. Cockburn needs a chance. Kofi Cockburn was a star for the University of Illinois from 2019 to 2022. 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. He flirted with Florida State and Kentucky before ultimately deciding to return to Champaign . Team needs are factored into the mock and simulations. Heres a look at Illinois C Kofi Cockburn. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: collegebasketball | pageType: stories | He signed a one-year deal with the Niigata Albirex BB in the . I think that if I leave (school) now I put myself in a great position to be successful for a longer time and be able to get a head start. As March Madness gets going we're taking a first stab at 2022 NBA Mock Draft. Kofi is an old school big man who acts as an enforcer inside. Oh and there is this thing in the NBA called defensive three-seconds. Its always obstacles, Cockburn said. Im always betting on myself, he said. A ferocious rebounder who looks to tear the rim off the backboard any chance he gets as a finisher, Cockburn scored a terrific 1.37 points per shot around the rim in the half court [89th percentile]. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. In declaring again this year, Cockburn chose to forgo his remaining college eligibility and go all in on the NBA. Kofi is an old school big man who acts as an enforcer inside. [59th percentile], very few big men could move him off of spots on the low block. This is my greatest concern for Kofi Cockburn in the NBA where a center is constantly defending ball screens. Here is CBT's full 2020 NBA Draft early entry tracker. The combination of their shooters and Cockburn in the paint taking away at least one defender at all times is exactly what Steve Kerr likes to run. The on ball defender has more length, more strength. Mock Drafts. Carrying a heavy shot creating burden when he was on the floor, Cockburn was the focal point of the Illini offense. Contact . The 2022 NBA Draft order has been set and the list of eligible players is officially locked in. Overall, there was little doubt that the All-American would one day grace the courts of the NBA. (LogOut/ 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 center averaged 13.3 points and 8.8 rebounds in his freshman season, 17.7 points and 9.5 rebounds in his sophomore season and 20.9 points and 10.6 rebounds in his junior season. 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. No team is going to put me as their star player. Illini fans will remember Nnanna Egwu and his subpar hands and catching ability. section: | slug: top-prospects-not-selected-in-2022-nba-draft-scotty-pippen-jr-kofi-cockburn-among-notable-snubs | sport: basketball | route: article_single.us | He establishes position well and throws his weight around in the paint. Months of preparation that included the NBA Draft Combine and multiple pre-draft workouts with teams such as the Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz, and. Cockburn has improved his footwork, utilizes the drop step well, and has nice touch around the rim for a big man. Overall hes not the most natural fit in todays NBA but hes such a powerful presence on the floor that hell find a way to make his mark. All Rights Reserved. Full 2022 NBA Mock Draft - Round 2. He was the only Division I player to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. The NBA Draft is nearing, and the Illinois basketball team is looking to get a player selected for the second-straight season. 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. He doesnt have much passing or dribbling skill and he cant shoot. Cockburn's only a projected late second-round pick by most draft experts, but . 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 . He is a SLEEPER! For me to go back to college knowing Im ready right now, that would be putting a price on my dreams., (Photo of Kofi Cockburn: Kamil Krzaczynski / NBAE via Getty Images). He measured at 70, 293 lbs. Roll the ball into the post and Kofi will grab it. 2022 looks like another strong draft class with depth through the second round . FINANCE. While Kofi may not be able to fill all of it, he certainly could fill a portion of it. Despite most, if not all, NBA mock drafts having Kofi not getting selected in the first or. With Jalen Brunson or Luka Doncic absolutely taking over these playoffs its safe to say this offseason the Mavericks need to find a true big man to help even out the misbalance they have on the team. PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 18: Alfonso Plummer #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini shoots a three point basket against the Chattanooga Mocs during the second half in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 18, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kofi Cockburn - C - Illinois - NBA Draft Profile and Stats. The Golden Eagles hit a two-pointer with 10 seconds left to send the game to overtime against Southern Missouri State. He can finish efficiently at the rim, but can he do that against NBA level size and talent? If he can take his athleticism up one more notch, watch out! While a good portion of it can be due to his size and strength, if we created an exact human clone of Kofi and put him in a basketball game with no prior knowledge of basketball, that clone would not perform well. His presence on the court can not be missed. He was the only player in the sport to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, and he led the Illini -- a team that suffered through fits and starts throughout the year -- to a No. With that being said, there are a few names to keep an eye on for the draft and for after the draft when teams are looking to get a good deal. The draft sequence was created using the standings entering Monday, Jan. 10. Baylor transfer Dain Dainja should help with frontcourt depth for next season as well, and Cockburn's official departure may give Underwood and his staff the green light to go after bigs in the transfer portal. Going through the draft process a second time in 2021, he showed well at the G League Elite Camp but returned to school anyway facing steep expectations as one of the top returning players in the country. The 2022 NBA Draft is over. 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. A ferocious rebounder who looks to tear the rim off the backboard any chance he gets as a finisher, Cockburn scored a terrific. 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. With Greg Popovich seemingly staying another year, who better to help Kofi Cockburn utilize his skills than the man who coached Tim Duncan. 2022 NBA Draft Combine Measurements By: Aran_Smith . Kofi Cockburn - C - Illinois - NBA Draft Profile and Stats. He is not the most nimble big man, but has rare strength and a strong motor. 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. 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. 21 Northwestern. At one point, there were a couple of mock drafts that had him going late in the second round, but the most updated ones have Kofi nowhere in sight. Tacko is 76. Additionally, Cockburns role in putting Illinois basketball back on the map has already ensured that his jersey will hang from the rafters of State Farm Center. He must stay by the rim. But in the NBA, there wont always be the short and light defenders. The concern is there. Cockburn is a dominant big man who stepped all over the Big Ten for three years. MORE. 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. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Like I said earlier, I wouldnt put a price on my dream. 6-keys: media/spln/nba/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. (((data via nba.com))). Notre Dames Paul Atkinson and Nate Laszewski are both 610 and in the 220s for weight. Clocking in at just under 300 pounds, hell have the size and strength to bang with just about anyone in the paint and will be effective at pulling down rebounds. Full schedule, bracket for 2023 Big East Tournament, Full schedule, bracket for 2023 Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament, Full list of every automatic bid into 2023 NCAA Tournament, Full schedule, bracket for 2023 SEC Tournament. 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. A defensive player cannot be in the paint for longer than 3 seconds, unless they are actively guarding someone. "This journey has been a. at Cockburns size is a factor around the rim defensively even if he does not block a lot of shots. At the bare minimum, Cockburn could be a developmental center that eventually will be in charge of handling all of the paint and rebounding duties. Thats my dream, and Im willing to chase it regardless.. This is why you NEED to draft Kofi Cockburn! He doesnt have any illusions about his professional arc mirroring his success in college. Kofi Cockburn: C: 8.20%: 9.75: It always seemed like a question of when, and what his journey to the top would look like. It's really not that complicated: The crux of the problem for the Hawkeyes was that Kofi Cockburn was in the building. The NBA Draft is quickly approaching, and there are some former Illinois basketball players who have their name in the mix. 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 #. While not hearing his name called last night was disappointing, it likely gives Cockburn a healthy chip on his shoulder as he heads off to training in Utah. 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. There is a chance he could get a 2-way contact. The New York Knicks Mitchell Robinson has taken 236 shot attempts this season, all have come within four feet of the rim. at the NBA scouting combine in May. Rebounds. 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. https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/2022/05/23/hawks-kofi-cockburn-nba-pre-draft-workout/, Thunder rumored to have given draft promise to Caleb Houstan, Rumor: Trail Blazers looking to trade No. That is where I expect Kofi to be selected. Cockburn said Dosunmu suggested he show his athleticism, speed and vertical, things scouts weigh heavily. Show Showing 1 to 33 of 99 entries Previous Next 3,237 total views, 1 views today 2023 NBA Draft Board NBA Pre-Draft Rankings 2023 NBA Draft Board By MIP Scouting 2022 NBA Draft scouting report for Illinois C Kofi Cockburn, Tennessee Tech forces OT in OVC championship game [VIDEO].