Why a big leap from Kobe Bufkin is key for Michigan Basketball

A number of Michigan basketball players are hoping to take a leap next season, but none is more important than Kobe Bufkin. 

If Michigan basketball is going to contend for a Big Ten championship next season, it’s going to do it largely based on the development of its own talent.

The Wolverines did make some key additions to the 2022-23 team. The recruiting class features Jett Howard, Dug McDaniel, and Tarris Reed, as well as Gregg Glenn.

But Howard is the only one really expected to contribute right away next season, at least in terms of being a starter. Jaelin Llewellyn was a key addition in the transfer portal, because of his shooting ability, plus Joey Baker from Duke is a 3-point shooting specialist.

Howard and Baker will essentially be filling the void left by Caleb Houstan. Howard will probably also see some time at the two because, after the graduation of Eli Brooks, the Wolverines don’t have anyone proven at that position.

But that’s where Kobe Bufkin comes in.

Kobe Bufkin is key for Michigan basketball in 2022-23

Bufkin played 10 minutes a game last season for the Wolverines and he averaged three points per game, as well as shooting 38 percent from the field. He also struggled on defense but the former McDonald’s All-American seems poised for a breakout season.

Hunter Dickinson is certainly buying Bufkin’s potential for next season, after seeing the gains he made in Camp Sanderson during the offseason.

"“One guy that I think everybody on the team and the coaching staff is definitely expecting to make a big leap is Kobe,” Hunter Dickinson told The Michigan Insider in May. “Obviously, you can see the potential that he has, the skill set, everything like that. He’s got it all. I think it’s just a matter of him putting it together.”"

Bufkin talked about his work this summer and how it took him time to adjust to the college game on the “Defend the Block” podcast. He also talked about where he needs to improve.

"“Defense never goes away. That’s been something I have been focusing on since I was in high school. Obviously, I didn’t shoot the ball as well as I wanted to last year. But this year, I feel like I’ve made a jump — definitely from the 3-point line.”"

Defense is something that takes time to learn, especially at the college level. Bufkin has the athletic ability and the size to be a solid defender at the two-guard spot for Michigan and the Wolverines desperately need an effective two-way player there.

Bufkin is projected to start because there aren’t any other options. Isaiah Barnes could play the two but he needs more polish than Bufkin, so all of Michigan’s eggs are really in his basket.

Jett Howard could start at the two, I supposed in a pinch, and Youssef Khayat could start at the three if Bufkin really wasn’t ready but that would be a bad sign for his development.

I don’t know that he’ll make a Nik Stauskas or Caris LeVert type of jump, but I believe Kobe is going to be much improved and will play around 30 minutes a game. It wouldn’t shock me if he scored right around 10 points a game either.

His development is huge and if he takes the leap that’s expected, Michigan basketball’s roster will be much stronger heading into next season.