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Chris Cokley to play for the Charlotte Hornets’ summer league team

By Jerry Stephens

March 13 2015: UAB Blazers forward Chris Cokley (3) during the C-USA Basketball Tournament semifinal between the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the UAB Blazers. UAB defeated Louisiana Tech by the score of 72-62 in overtime at the Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)
March 13 2015: UAB Blazers forward Chris Cokley (3) during the C-USA Basketball Tournament semifinal between the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the UAB Blazers. UAB defeated Louisiana Tech by the score of 72-62 in overtime at the Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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Undrafted rookie forward Chris Cokley looks set to join the Charlotte Hornets’ summer league squad.

Chris Cokley appears to be the latest addition to the Charlotte Hornets‘ summer league team. The former UAB forward tweeted “All i needed is a opportunity. @hornets Thanks for the opportunity its up from here.” He is looking to earn a roster spot after going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Cokley did not workout for Charlotte prior to the 2018 NBA Draft but did have an impressive showing at Day 3 of the Portsmouth Invitational which likely caught the eye of the Hornets and a few other NBA teams.

Chris played four years at the University of Alabama at Birmingham appearing in over 130 games for the Blazers. Not only was he UAB’s best player this past year but he was also one of the best players in Conference USA.

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During his Senior campaign at UAB, Cokley put up 16.9 points per game, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 32 appearances (29 starts). He also managed to shoot 58.2% from the field and 81.9% from the free throw line. The Savannah, Georgia native totaled 13 double-double’s and 10 games of 20+ points this past year.

Chirs led the Blazers in points and rebounds. He also ranked first in Conference USA in field goal percentage, first in offensive rebounds, fifth in total rebounds, seventh in points and first in Player Efficiency Rating.

The 6’8 power forward has decent size for the next level. His strengths include his athleticism, ability to score inside and rebounding mainly on the offensive end creating second-chance opportunities. He will need to improve on his face-up game and interior defense going forward if he wants to make an NBA roster.

He will join Gabe DeVoe and B.J. Johnson as undrafted rookies on Charlotte’s summer league roster. Willy Hernangomez, Dwayne Bacon, Malik Monk, Miles Bridges and Devonte Graham are set to play with the Hornets in Las Vegas as well.

Next: Hornets trade up to draft Devonte Graham in second round

Charlotte obviously wanted to get a better look and further scout Cokley. He should get a chance to prove himself during the summer league. Being a high-level athlete and a tenacious rebounder, Chris could easily make a name for himself as a role player.

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