Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn works out at NBA Draft Combine

CHICAGO (CBS) — Illini huge man Kofi Cockburn was on the NBA Draft Mix on Friday, attempting to indicate he can play in right this moment’s NBA.

He is one of many greatest gamers within the draft, at 7 ft and 293 kilos, however his lack of an outdoor sport would possibly depart him disregarded on draft evening, and longing a bit for the previous NBA sport.

 “I feel it’s totally distinctive. Like lots of people inform me, again then if it was the Nineties, I might be drafted most likely high 10. Once I take a look at it now, the sport has modified, nevertheless it hasn’t modified that a lot. There are nonetheless huge males that must rebound, that must play protection, be vocal, give their guards, put their guards in higher place to attain,” Cockburn mentioned.

The 7-foot Jamaican was an Related Press All-America first-team choose this previous season, and leaves Illinois as the varsity’s scoring and rebounding chief amongst three-year gamers and the document holder for double-doubles.

Cockburn was the one participant within the nation to common a minimum of 20 factors and 10 rebounds final season and solely participant to rank within the high 20 in each classes. He had 17 double-doubles regardless of lacking 5 video games and he completed his profession with 45, second most within the nation during the last three years. His 1,546 factors and 861 rebounds are most amongst three-year gamers at Illinois.

Cockburn additionally entered the draft pool in 2020 and 2021 however withdrew each instances.