![Student Spotlight: KJ Cochran '25]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746480759/perkiomen/cz05kmffb0fyy1td1pac/KJCochranBlog.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746480759/perkiomen/cz05kmffb0fyy1td1pac/KJCochranBlog.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746480759/perkiomen/cz05kmffb0fyy1td1pac/KJCochranBlog.jpg","width":598}])
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It is so much easier to attribute someone’s success to luck than acknowledge the hard work and dedication it took to get there.
For KJ Cochran ’25, who enrolled at Perkiomen School two years ago, his journey serves as an example of persistence and determination. Athletics at Perkiomen is undoubtedly a huge part of school spirit and campus culture, and KJ being part of the National Basketball team contributes greatly to it.
Aside from being an exceptional athlete, he is an individual with a strong personality, determination, and dedication. KJ's incredible ability to connect with others makes him a very valuable part of our school community.
Recently, I had an opportunity to ask KJ several questions about his accomplishments, personal challenges and future aspirations, which reflected his commitment to his goals and moral principles.
Since our interview, KJ has been named the 2024-25 Non-PIAA Player of the Year. In addition to that honor, he has been named a National Prep 3rd Team All American, named to the All-State Non-PIAA team and the First Team All EPL (Elite Prep League). Following graduation, KJ is headed to Santa Clara University.
Q: What inspired you to start playing basketball?
A: I would say the joy of the game. My dad was a basketball coach, and being around him, watching games and practices, made me want to shoot a ball and hope it would go in. It became all about working hard and having fun with it.
Q: Who is your basketball role model and why?
A: I look up to players like Lebron James and my father. They influence me because I know that they excel at what they do, only because they work hard to get better.
Q: How has basketball influenced your personal life?
A: Basketball is fun for me, and I’ve embraced it as part of my life. There's nothing extra about it. Just pure excitement and joy.
Q: How have you evolved as a player throughout your career?
A: Obviously you fail, and when it happens you know you have to get back up. There were a lot of times when I felt like I wasn't good enough. But eventually I’ve grown by trusting myself and the process, knowing hard work always pays off.
Q: What has been your proudest achievement so far?
A: I think one of the main highlight points for me was being invited to the Adidas Camp last summer in California with some of the best players in the country. I enjoyed it. It was an amazing experience that showed how my hard work pays off.
Q: What aspect of basketball do you find most challenging?
A: Competition, for sure. It gets tougher as players become bigger, stronger, and faster. Adapting to this and constantly improving is a pretty challenging task.
Q: How do you handle pressure during a game?
A: I just pray. I'm a big believer in my faith and I trust my work. And when I trust my work, I just go with the flow.
Q: Can you talk about your decision-making process during fast breaks or high-pressure situations?
A: I feel like it's about watching a lot of basketball, studying yourself, the game and learning from experience. Watching basketball from a young age with my dad taught me to analyze situations and make the best decisions possible. It's important to know that you're not going to be perfect out there, but you have to try your best.
Q: How do you deal with injuries or setbacks?
A: I had an injury last year that kept me out for a while. Like I said, it's important to just trust your faith, knowing everything's going to work out in the best possible way. Work as hard as you can, without stressing too much. It takes away too much time and energy.
Q: Can you talk about the role of coaches and mentors in your development?
A: The role of coaches is very big. Both physically and emotionally. They’re like family figures who pour themselves into you and want you to succeed. And being surrounded by people who want the best for you is very important. They are the reason why I’m where I am today.
Q: How important is teamwork in basketball?
A: It's very important. Basketball is not a one-man game. It takes five to play it. And you just have to have a really close bond with your teammates. I feel like every successful team I was on succeeded, because we had a close bond off the court. When you are friends and get along off the court, it translates into the court as well.
Q: How do you resolve conflicts within the team?
A: By putting our egos aside and looking at the main problem. I feel like I'm a team guy first. I want to help the team before myself and sometimes all you need to do is just put everything on the table and resolve it. That’s what will help us in the long run.
Q: What motivates you during tough games? How do you maintain confidence after a loss?
A: Knowing that I work hard and everything is already written, so there's no reason to stress. In the end it’s all going to fall in line if it's supposed to. Wins and losses are part of the journey. Bouncing back gets easier over time.
Q: What are your main aspirations in your sports career?
A: My goal is to play basketball professionally while enjoying the process of getting better every day.
Q: How do you approach your daily training routine?
A: I'm a very regimented person and for me, routine is extremely important. I feel like consistency is the key.
Q: Isn't it exhausting?
A: It can be. But you get used to it. It's a small sacrifice for achieving your goals. And as long as you don't lose sight of that, you're going to do great.
Q: Do you have a pre-game routine or ritual?
A: Not really. But I always pray before games. I do that every day, every morning. That way I'm just settled and relaxed.
Q: What’s your advice on handling failure or setbacks in a sports career?
A: Believe in yourself, stay positive, trust your faith, and know that everything will take care of itself if you work hard.
Q: How do you handle criticism from coaches?
A: Criticism is a part of the game. It's part of life too. You can't let your ego get in the way of it. You have to be open-minded. If you're not learning, you're not getting better either.
Q: What sacrifices have you made for basketball?
A: I would say, I’ve given up some typical teenage activities like going out all the time but I still maintain balance. My parents make sure I do. We're young too and we have to enjoy life and have fun. If you just focus on one thing, you're going to drive yourself crazy.
Q: What core value or trait do you hope people will remember you for?
A: Kindness. I believe that there is not good or bad, we just all have our own different and unique talents, whether in basketball or other areas. By the end of the day, we are all the same and being kind to one another is the best thing we can do for each other.