Rocket Spotlight On...Tyler Cochran

Tyler Cochran is a junior guard who is averaging 13.4 ppg, a team-high 6.7 rpg, and a MAC-best 2.0 spg after sitting out most of last season due to injury. A native of Bolingbrook, Ill., Cochran transferred to Toledo in 2022 after attending Northern Illinois and Ball State.

On graduating in December and the sense of accomplishment
Graduating is definitely something I'm proud of. It's something my parents expected of me, especially with having my school paid for with the help of basketball. There was no reason for me not to be able to get my degree. It was a little tougher transferring my credits from different schools, but I was able to get it done.

On parents' influence in his life
My mother and father were both involved in sports for most of their lives. My dad went on to play football in college at Eastern Michigan. They were always supportive and never forced me to play certain sports. They were a heavy influence on me and made sure that I knew no matter what happened or how I played that I was still loved. They just wanted me to do well in school. Without them and my brother, I wouldn't be where I am today.

On playing sports growing up
Baseball is actually my favorite sport. I was a shortstop and catcher, and having a ball in my hands has always felt natural to me. I loved playing it growing up but stopped before my freshman year of high school because my whole team was going to split up. I also played football as a running back and linebacker, but it was no fun being on defense. When I played in Pop Warner, I was an option quarterback and loved scoring touchdowns. I stopped playing football during my sophomore year.

On his path to Toledo after being at Northern Illinois and Ball State
Growing up I had thought of going to schools far away like in Arizona or Texas. I ended up going to Northern Illinois first, because I spent a lot of time there when I was in high school. I used to work out with guys on their team and felt comfortable there. I ended up going to NIU because of the connections I had made, and I wanted to play right away. I wanted to go to Toledo when I transferred to Ball State, but they didn't have any scholarships available. I always had a good relationship with the coaching staff and being good friends with RayJ Dennis played a role as well.

On his relationship with RayJ Dennis
I met him for the first time I think when I was six or seven years old. We knew of each other because we went to the same church. We would see each other once a week for years and then we started seeing each other in AAU tournaments. Then we started talking to each other more in middle school and started playing basketball together on the same AAU team and became super close. Now he's one of my best friends.

On sitting out most of last season and having toe surgery in January
It was very frustrating. It was crazy not being able to play last year after spending the whole summer and fall getting ready for the season. I tried to rest it and come back and try to play through my injury, but it was just too painful. It did help me gain a new perspective on basketball because I was able to spend more time in the office with the coaches. I tried to figure out ways to be part of the team without being on the court.

On his role this season with a young team
I'm not the most vocal leader, but I still feel like I'm one of the team leaders. I try not to tell guys what to do and try to be like a big brother instead. When something happens to one of the guys, I tell them that I've been there and know how you're feeling. I try to encourage and help them based on what I have experienced in my life.

Players Mentioned

Tyler Cochran

RayJ Dennis

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