Illinois junior Kofi Cockburn on Wednesday announced that 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. He was the only Division I player to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. He was also the only player to rank in the top 20 in each category.
The 7-footer tested the pre-draft process in 2020 and 2021 but ultimately opted to return to school for the 2021-22 season. He was one of the top centers in the country and led the Fighting Illini to a 23-10 record and a share of the Big Ten regular-season title.
NEXT CHAPTER 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Wz6xzAUl51
— King Kofi (@kxng_alpha) April 20, 2022
Cockburn enters the offseason not projected to be selected by most mock drafts. He established himself as more of a traditional center by working in the post and impacting games on the defensive end of the floor with his 7-foot-4 wingspan.
He will have the opportunity to improve his draft stock by participating in private workouts with teams. He could also earn an invitation to compete in the draft combine next month.
The NBA draft will take place on June 23.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
[lawrence-related id=48538,49001,43851]
[mm-video type=video id=01g0zdgknpqc4nr8w5rd playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g0zdgknpqc4nr8w5rd/01g0zdgknpqc4nr8w5rd-ce9d0db2fd1279aeabde537223923715.jpg]
[listicle id=74651]