Predicting Michigan Basketball’s depth chart, NBA draft decisions

SG: Kobe Bufkin, Jett Howard, Llewellyn, Isaiah Barnes

It would have been ideal if Michigan basketball had been able to land Terrence Shannon in the transfer portal because the versatile wing could play at the two or three for Michigan.

However, it didn’t work out and maybe it will be for the best because if Shannon came aboard, it feels like Kobe Bufkin, a McDonald’s All-American, might have departed.

Bufkin might not have lived up to expectations last season, but with Eli Brooks playing most of the two-guard minutes, it was going to be hard to play over him. Kobe had some good moments though and was one of Michigan’s more productive ball-screen scorers (in limited opportunities).

The 6-foot-4 guard is going to develop his body in Camp Sanderson this summer and of all the guys that need to take that sophomore leap, none are more important than Bufkin.

Michigan needs him to develop into a reliable scorer and someone who can defend too, which is needed with his size. He doesn’t have to be elite on defense, but he can’t be a liability.

It’s possible that Michigan attempts to add a combo guard or a wing in the transfer portal if Diabate or Houstan leave, but even if that happens, there’s a good chance Bufkin is starting next season because I fully expect him to deliver on his breakout potential.

Beyond Bufkin though, if another guard isn’t added, the Wolverines will be scrambling. Jett Howard should get some minutes there, along with Isaiah Barnes, and Llewellyn could get some run there too, depending on how Dug runs the point.

But if McDaniel is better than expected as a freshman, it could give Llewellyn more time to play off the ball if for some reason Bufkin hasn’t taken the leap we all hope he does.