The Savannah High Maestro: Chris Cokley (Class of 2014)

The Savannah High Maestro: Chris Cokley (Class of 2014)

Inheriting the interior paint at "The High" a few years after Darnell "Dank" Jackson, Chris Cokleybecame the most technically sound, dominant true back-to-the-basket center in Savannah's modern history under legendary Coach Tim Jordan. [1, 2]

Play Style Deep Dive

• The Footwork Blueprint: At 6-foot-8 and 216 pounds, Cokley was a master of low-post geometry. He utilized an array of drop-steps, up-and-under fakes, and baby hooks off the glass that completely dismantled opposing double-teams.

• Elite Double-Double Factory: Cokley was a relentless glass-cleaner, averaging 15.5 points and 9.9 rebounds per game during his senior campaign. He used wide lower-body positioning to effortlessly clear out space for defensive boards.

• The Rim Eraser: Defensively, Cokley anchored Coach Jordan's trapping systems, swatting a staggering 3.3 blocks per game to lead Division AAA. [1, 2, 3]

Demeanor & Big Game Details

Cokley possessed an ice-cold, unshakeable stoicism. Even when getting hacked by multiple interior defenders, his facial expression never shifted. [1]

His clutch gene was immortalized during his sophomore and junior years when he guided the Blue Jackets to back-to-back GHSA State Finals appearances. During a high-stakes quarterfinal battle against Washington County, Cokley famously blacked out on the floor due to exhaustion. He fought his way back onto the court just days later, turning in a heroic effort in the state championship game. [1, 2, 3]

Cokley later committed to UAB, where he earned All-Conference USA honors, spearheaded a historic NCAA Tournament upset over #3 Iowa State, and transitioned into an extensive professional career across Europe and the Basketball Africa League. [1, 2]