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Michigan Wolverines news: Jett Howard, Kobe Bufkin debut in Summer League, a Jose Perez update, and more

By Chris Peterson

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 08: Jett Howard #13 of Orlando Magic dribbles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 08, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 08: Jett Howard #13 of Orlando Magic dribbles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 08, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images) /
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Former Michigan basketball players debuted in the NBA Summer League this weekend, plus more in our Michigan Wolverines news roundup. 

We caught our first glimpse of former Michigan basketball players Kobe Bufkin and Jett Howard in the NBA over the weekend as they each made their debuts in the NBA Summer League.

Neither start was particularly memorable for the former Michigan Wolverines standouts. Bufkin and Howard were each first-round picks in the 2023 NBA draft but showed this weekend that there is still a learning curve.

Bufkin played on Friday for the Hawks. Atlanta lost to the Kings 80-76. In terms of Bukin, the former Michigan baskeball guard had eight points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. He also turned the ball over eight times.

Kobe said the speed of the game surprised him a little. I’m not worried. Bufkin is going to be a star and I’m sure he’ll look more comfortable on Sunday when the Hawks play again versus Denver.

Jett Howard’s debut wasn’t much better for the Orlando Magic as he went 3-of-13 from the field on his way to eight points. Jett grabbed four rebounds, hit 2 3-pointers, had three steals, and also was credited with three turnovers.

Joining Howard on the Magic summer team was Caleb Houstan, another former Michigan basketball player, as well as former Michigan Wolverines player D.J. Wilson.

Wilson finished with four points in 26 minutes. Houstan had 12 points and all four of his field goals came from 3-point range. Isaiah Livers and Zavier Simpson are on the Pistons Summer League team but didn’t see any minutes in the game.

The latest on Michigan basketball and Jose Perez

The Michigan Wolverines are still viewed as a favorite for Jose Perez, the West Virginia transfer, but Gonzaga, Oregon, and others are trying to make the decision difficult.

Davis Moseley, a Michigan basketball insider, said there could be some visits taken by Perez and that things should be decided by next week.

Of course, you wonder if the fact that Bob Huggins is trying to say he didn’t resign from his job at West Virginia might factor into the thinking of Perez. I still don’t see Huggins coaching another game for the Mountaineers, regardless of this contract dispute.

https://twitter.com/On3sports/status/1677858470337421316

I also don’t see Perez going back to West Virginia. He did say he was open to it though. Michigan basketball could really use his scoring/playmaking, and hopefully, the Wolverines are able to get him on campus this week to lock down a commitment.

Michigan Wolverines in top 5 for 2024 EDGE

There wasn’t a ton of Michigan football recruiting news from Saturday, but Jayshawn Ross, a four-star athlete from the 2024 class included the Wolverines in his top five along with Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee, and Nebraska.

Ross is 6-foot-3, 220 pounds out of Missouri. The four-star athlete from Kansas City definitely has potential. Michigan football is getting pretty full when it comes to EDGE prospects, especially if Jacob Smith commits to the Wolverines as expected.

Next. Assembling the all-time Lloyd Carr team. dark

But Ross is a dynamic athlete so you never know. Things can change quickly in recruiting. However, this recruitment feels like Oklahoma’s to lose and I don’t see really see Ross as being a priority target for Michigan currently.

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