Michigan Basketball: Week Two In Review

Sixth Man of the Week

This week’s top bench player was probably Diabate, simply because of his performance against UNLV alone, but I’m going to show some love to one of my favorite players on the team: Kobe Bufkin.

The freshman from Grand Rapids, MI averaged just 3 points, 1 rebound, and logged two steals over the Wolverines’ three games this week, but his tenacity on defense is what stood out most to me.

It seems like he is always moving his feet well and getting deflections in the passing game.

As the season progresses, I definitely expect Bufkin to become a larger contributor in the rotation.

The way he attacks the basket and his sweet shooting stroke combined with his willingness to play defense should allow his minutes to grow quickly, and with the Wolverines looking for a spark, he is the type of player that can deliver one.

Play of the Week

https://twitter.com/MichiganOnBTN/status/1462048461008740352?s=20

Last week I cheated and this week I’m going to (kind of) do it again.

The main play I want to focus on is the first in the above clip where Diabate gets a steal and then proceeds to go coast-to-coast and put a UNLV player on a poster at the other end.

His athleticism is what creates the headlines but the skill he showed handling the ball there is just amazing for a person of his size.

I also encourage you to watch the rest of his highlights from this game because he showed everyone what his potential is as a high-flying power forward who can dunk, block shots, and also play with his back to the basket at times.

The kid is special, and I can’t wait to see how the rest of his career in the Maize and Blue unfolds.