Michigan guard Kobe Bufkin declares for 2023 NBA Draft
Michigan Wolverines basketball guard Kobe Bufkin had a breakout season in 2022-23 and is headed to the NBA. Bufkin announced Sunday afternoon that he’ll forgo his final two seasons of eligibility and enter the draft, joining freshman guard Jett Howard. The Maize and Blue have also lost center Hunter Dickinson and guard Isaiah Barnes to the transfer portal this offseason.
The 6-4, 195-pounder averaged 14 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this past season, shooting 54.6 percent on twos and 35.5 percent on threes.
“Dear Michigan,” Bufkin said in a statement, “this is a journey built on a strong foundation of faith. To God be the Glory in this path of mine, on and off the court.
“I have enormous respect for the game of basketball and an equal appreciation to my village who constantly sacrifices. I want to express my gratitude to my family and friends, to my lifelong teammates, and coaches and trainers over the years.
“As a result of our collective dedication, I was able to fulfill my dream of attending and representing the University of Michigan.
“To my U of M family, it has been an amazing experience, being a part of such an iconic university. This is including the Ann Arbor community, the outstanding academic experience and, of course, my basketball brotherhood. A brotherhood that I will forever hold close to heart.
“After lots of prayer and consideration, I have decided to declare for the 2023 NBA Draft.
“Hail, Buff out.”
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Bufkin made an incredible transformation from freshman to sophomore year. He stuck around last spring and summer to work with Michigan strength coach Jon Sanderson, was praised for his hard work and improved mightily as a result. Bufkin put up just 3 points and 1.1 rebounds per contest, playing in and out of the rotation due to struggles on defense and with hitting open jump shots.
Bufkin’s “sophomore leap” of averaging 11.4 more points per game in his second season than he did his first marks the biggest increase year over year in the Michigan program over the last 15 seasons.
Michigan is slated to have just six scholarship guards on the roster next season. Only three have played major roles — sophomore point guard Dug McDaniel, graduate guard Jaelin Llewellyn and incoming Alabama transfer Nimari Burnett, a redshirt junior with three seasons of eligibility left.
