Michigan basketball: Wolverines trending with a pair of 2021 recruits

Michigan basketball added one member to the 2021 class, could one or even two more be possible in the near future?

The past couple of days have been busy for Michigan basketball. Initially, all the news came from 247 sports which dropped a pair of predictions to U-M for an underrated three-star in Will Tschetter. Hailing from Stewartville, MN, Will posts an impressive resume that mostly relies on his tremendous scoring ability, averaging 34.4 points per game for his high school.

247 sports were at the forefront of the predictions, but they weren’t the only ones. Same Webb from The Michigan Insider was beaten to the punch by Rivals analysts and publishers Corey Evans, Eric Bossi, and Chris Balas. They all publicly revealed where they believed Will would continue his athletic and academic career in Ann Arbor. Sam announced a day later.

You can read more about that here.

Tschetter isn’t the only one trending blue, however, as another 2021 star is believed to be a future Wolverine. Kobe Bufkin from Grand Rapids Christian has one FutureCast for U-M from Corey Evans.

Rivals have Kobe as a four-star, and ranked 61st nationally as well as the 17th best SG. Internally, 247 sports ranks Bufkin as a four-star, but much lower at 134rd nationally, 28th positionally, and third in-state. ESPN ranks Kobe 62nd overall, 15th positionally, No. 1 in-state with four stars.

During last season, Bufkin averaged 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists while leading his team to a 20-2 record and earning the honor of being named to the Michigan Associated Press All-State and Grand Rapids Dream Team.

Why is Michigan basketball leading?

It could have something to do with fame. Bufkin might not remember, but the U-M head coach is rather famous from his years as a Wolverine and beyond. While Kobe may not be entirely aware of Juwan’s successes on the court, his family certainly remembers.

“My household was big on the Fab Five,” explains Bufkin. “It was a good experience for my family who was more excited than I was.”

Being a member of the Fab Five might not automatically earn you top recruits, but it should at least get you in the door, and it seems that Howard’s efforts have earned him more than just an invite into the home. Michigan basketball is a real contender; the leading contender, if Evan’s is right about his FutureCast.

Matt’s musings

Will Tschetter is deserving of more than just three-stars. There’s a picture circulating social media that shows two opponents preventing Tschetter from getting the ball, and one of them has his fist in Will’s face. For him to average over 30 points in that type of environment is nothing short of a miracle.

Eventually, he will get recognized, if he’s allowed to play this year. And even as he rises and more top programs come calling, the Wolverines were one of the first high majors to really prioritize him. That may be enough to keep him trending towards U-M until decision day.

When it comes to Bufkin, there’s very little to go on as he’s not a flashy individual. In his interviews, he’s quiet, reserved, and displays a very laid back poker face. It’s tough to tell what he’s thinking, but apparently, Ann Arbor is on his mind.