For my people - Kofi Cockburn enters NBA draft looking to make Jamaica proud

Jamaican basketballer Kofi Cockburn says that decision to go all-in on his NBA dream this year is not just about a personal goal but one that he hopes will make a lasting mark for his country and those that will follow.

Cockburn on Wednesday declared for the 2022 NBA draft, forgoing his final year of eligibility and hiring an agent, after three seasons with the University of Illinois. While Cockburn had previously declared for the 2020 and 2021 drafts but opted out, per league rules, he cannot withdraw himself from consideration a third time.

With his college career now over, Cockburn told ESPN on Wednesday that he is fully committed to his NBA dream, which he says is more than just accomplishing personal goals.

"My dream is to be one of the best players in the NBA, especially from Jamaica," Cockburn said. "I'm playing for something bigger than myself. This is for my country, my people."

The most notable Jamaica-born player to have success in the NBA was Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing, who played the majority of his career with the New York Knicks.

Cockburn is coming off a season where he averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds to help Illinois win a share of the Big Ten regular-season title, and was named a first-team All-American. Cockburn said that he has been proud of the growth that he has made since his freshman season, and is excited to see how he can challenge himself in the NBA.

"Thinking back to where I was three years ago when I entered college - people would be amazed to see the progress I made in becoming a two-time All-American. I'm planning on doing the same exact thing in my professional career: pushing my game to new heights," Cockburn said.

Cockburn and Josh Minott will be Jamaica's two representatives in the NBA draft which is scheduled for June 23 in Brooklyn, New York. The players will be assessed before then at the NBA Combine in Chicago from May 16 to 22.