Cochran told Rivals: “It felt like home.” He said Auburn offered the best fit for him both on and off the court, and that his strong relationship with the coaching staff made him comfortable joining the program. He also liked the staff’s familiarity with one another. He described himself as a power forward who can stretch the floor, create opportunities for teammates and attack defenders closing out on his shot. His message to Auburn fans was: “I’m ready to be a part of another Auburn Final Four run.”

The other schools that offered Final competitors identified in his commitment report Clemson, Tennessee, Vanderbilt Other schools in his July top eight Cincinnati, Kansas State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Virginia Additional reported offers Austin Peay, Belmont, Boston College, Butler, High Point, Iona, Lipscomb, Middle Tennessee State, New Mexico, New Mexico State, Northwestern, Princeton, Samford, San Jose State, Stetson, UT Martin, Virginia Tech, Washington, Western Kentucky. The finalists and July shortlist come from Rivals; the remaining offers appear across Prep Hoops, Nashville Post and earlier recruiting coverage. he said about those schools Clemson: He announced the offer by writing, “Blessed to have received an offer from Clemson University!! Go Tigers!!” Cincinnati: After his visit, he publicly thanked the staff for hosting him and his family and described the official visit positively. His July top eight: He personally identified Cincinnati, Clemson, Kansas State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Virginia as his leading options, while keeping his recruitment open. Auburn subsequently entered the picture. Clearest published explanation centers on feeling at home at Auburn, trusting the staff and seeing a strong basketball and personal fit.