Kofi Cockburn

Kofi Cockburn has established himself as a dominant force in collegiate and professional basketball, known for his impactful presence in the paint and consistent rebounding. After being selected to the World Team for the 2018 Nike Hoop Summit, Kofi Cockburn established himself as a dominant force in collegiate basketball. While on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) circuit with the NY Rens in the summer of 2018, Cockburn averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, shooting 53.9 percent from the field. A consensus four-star recruit and a top 50 player in the 2019 class, he committed to play college basketball for the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 6, 2019.

This career-high season culminated in his selection to the First Team All-Big Ten and Consensus All-American first-team honors, showcasing his consistent impact in the paint and formidable rebounding ability. Transitioning to his professional career in 2022, Cockburn signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Utah Jazz following the NBA draft. He then made his international professional debut on November 16, 2022, signing with the Niigata Albirex in Japan’s B. League, where he made an immediate impact by averaging an impressive 19 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.

On June 20, 2023, Cockburn joined the Seoul Samsung Thunders in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), continuing to demonstrate his physical presence and interior scoring prowess. Cockburn re-signed with the Seoul Samsung Thunders in May 2024, maintaining his prominent role within the KBL. Expanding his reach within Asian basketball, he further secured his professional future by signing with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in Japan’s B.League, effective May 19, 2025. Throughout his career, Cockburn has consistently been lauded for his rebounding, post-up efficiency, and ability to draw fouls through aggressive play inside, making him a highly valued player in any professional frontcourt.