Illinois big man Kofi Cockburn makes decision on future at Illinois
Illinois big man Kofi Cockburn has made a decision on his future at Illinois. The B1G Freshman of the Year is declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft.
Cockburn made the announcement on Tuesday, after spending one season with the Fighting Illini. If he does not sign with an agent, he will be allowed to withdraw his name from the draft pool and return to Champaign for his sophomore season. Cockburn did not state whether or not that would be the case.
“Ever since I began playing basketball a fire has been lit inside me which I knew I had to pursue to the fullest extent,” Cockburn said in a statement. “With that being said, I have decided to declare for the 2020 NBA Draft. Embarking on this new journey is something I have always dreamed of and I have a special love for everyone who’s helped get me here.”
7’ Kofi Cockburn @kxng_alpha of Illinois, who won the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, is declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft. #Illini
🔶🔷 🇯🇲 🔶🔷 pic.twitter.com/f4SvXGAowH— Andrew Slater (@Andrew__Slater) April 7, 2020
In his lone season with the Fighting Illini, Cockburn averaged 13.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. He played in 31 games for Illinois, averaging more than 27 minutes per contest and shooting over 53 percent from the floor.
His departure will be a huge blow for Brad Underwood’s crew.