Michigan Basketball: Way-too-early 2021 depth chart prediction
Starter: Jalen Warley
Backups: Brandon Wade, Kobe Bufkin
According to Brian Snow from 247 sports, If Jalen Warley were to narrow his list of top schools to two, it would be Michigan and Oregon.
Michigan because he’s named after Jalen Rose. His father grew up a huge Wolverine fan, and U-M has the added bonus of Phil Martelli, who was an assistant for St. Joseph’s when Jason, Jalen’s dad, and Jason’s brother, Carlin, were on the roster for the Hawks.
Oregon because, well, actually, no one cares.
If Michigan basketball can beat out the Ducks for Warley, he will start. Per 247 sports composite, he’s a five-star and ranked 23rd nationally, the third-best combo-guard, and No. 1 from PA.
Here’s his scouting report from 247 sports:
"“Jalen Warley is a big guard with size, skill and solid athleticism. At right around 6-foot-4, Warley has the size to play off the ball and also the ability to be a primary ball handler who makes others better. He doesn’t possess elite athleticism, but his size, basketball intelligence and feel for the game show on both ends of the court. On defensive he is capable of switching and guarding multiple positions, while on offense he can run a team or be a primary scorer if that is asked of him. Warley needs to continue to be more assertive so that his natural ability shines through, but all of the tools are there for him to make an impact and college, and potentially even in the NBA.”"
Behind Warley will be either Brandon Wade or Kobe Bufkin. Wade is the transfer from Duquesne that will need some work, but all the intangibles are there, and working with elevated talent should up his game to Big Ten level. He’s versatile, an excellent passer, and can score from deep, but he needs to prove it at the collegiate level.
As to Bufkin, he’s an SG now, but he can play PG or as a quick ball-handling wing if needed. Like Warley, Bufkin hasn’t committed, although he could at any time after picking up a FutureCast pick from Rivals Corey Evans that has him as a Wolverine next year. He also has multiple crystal ball projections to Michigan too.