Michigan Basketball: 5 Wolverines who need to step up in 2022-23
Michigan basketball could have some major roster roles heading into next season depending on NBA draft departures and these five Wolverines will need to step up.
The construction of Michigan basketball’s roster is still coming together as the Wolverines wait on the final decisions of Caleb Houstan and Moussa Diabate.
Both are exploring the NBA draft process right now. Diabate will take part in the NBA Draft Combine, while Houstan, who got an invite, will not after he declined. This led many, including me, to believe he has some sort of promise but you never know.
It’s possible he still returns to Ann Arbor. He was projected as a lottery pick at one time and with a solid sophomore season for Michigan basketball, he could easily be a first-rounder in 2023. The same can be said about Diabate, however, I think both will end up staying in the draft. At least one.
As we all know, the transfer of Frankie Collins, along with the losses of Eli Brooks and DeVante Jones, has left Michigan basketball thin at guard. But if Houstan and Diabate leave, the Wolverines are going to be thin in the frontcourt too, and will have just 11 scholarship players.
The transfer portal is surely going to be an option. A combo wing or combo guard would be an ideal addition as well as a four who can shoot or someone who offers rim protection.
Either way, we all know how hard it is for Michigan to add players via the transfer portal that aren’t graduates, so some younger players will have to step up and we examine five players on the current roster that need to improve and play bigger roles in 2022-23.
Kobe Bufkin
Simply put, Bufkin is one of the most important players on the roster. He was a McDonald’s All-American and if Diabatte and Houstan leave, he will be the last one left in the 2021 class.
Bufkin ranked 46th overall in the 2021 class according to the 247 sports composite rankings and was the fourth-best combo guard. While he struggled last season and didn’t play as much as he probably hoped behind Eli Brooks, he’s going to take a leap this season. The question is how big?
The Wolverines really need him to develop into a starting-caliber player on both ends of the floor. His defense will get there. He’s going to get stronger and things are going to slow down for him.
Plus, he flashed some potential as a scorer. He’s one of the few guys on the roster capable of creating his own shot and getting to the bucket. He can also score and create out of ball screens, which is something we’ll see a lot more of next season.
I don’t expect a Nik Stauskas sort of jump next season for Bufkin, but I do see him starting at the two for Michigan next year and averaging close to double figures.
The biggest key for Bufkin is not being a defensive liability. He’s 6-foot-4 and if he can solidify the two-guard spot, it would be huge for next year’s team, regardless of any other additions.