NBA Draft Scouting Report: Michigan’s Kobe Bufkin
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Kobe Bufkin
Guard | Michigan
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 175 lbs
2023 Draft Age: 19.75
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
Entering the recent college season, Bufkin was viewed by most as a potential breakout candidate, but also had a high likelihood of being overshadowed by other NBA Draft prospects at Michigan.
After coming off the bench in every game as a freshman, Bufkin was a permanent starter in year two. He emerged as a primary scoring option with good positional size at 6-foot-4. An efficient shooter, the Wolverine showcased the ability to score at all three levels.
Despite being a two year college athlete, Bufkin will still be 19 on the night of the 2023 NBA Draft. He’s on the younger side of his class and will be viewed as a player that still has a tremendous amount of untapped potential. While he didn’t get the chance to perform in the NCAA Tournament on the big stage as the team didn't make the cut, the Michigan native had plenty of stellar moments in the regular season.
When watching Bufkin play, it’s easy to see why he has gained draft buzz. He’s a confident guard that demands attention and immediately passes the eye test. He’s a great athlete with a smooth lefty stroke, which is fun to watch. Whether it’s knocking down a deep triple or finishing with authority at the rim, Bufkin can do it all. Despite being a southpaw, he’s comfortable finishing with either hand.
At the NBA level, it will be interesting to see how much he plays on the ball. While Bufkin has the skillset to be a lead guard, he’s also excellent as an off-ball scoring threat. The 3-point shot didn’t fall much for him as a freshman, but he really increased his efficiency this season. Moving forward, that will need to continue to improve. The mechanics of his jumper, the range he’s already shown and the free throw efficiency should give NBA teams confidence he’ll be a good perimeter shooter at the next level.
Being a self creator is a necessary skill for a scoring prospect that’s looking to make it at the next level. With the ball in his hands, Bufkin is crafty and can generate his own shots. While he can knock down more advanced, higher difficulty shots, sometimes the shot selection is poor for the 19-year-old. Regardless, the flashes we've seen are impressive, especially in the midrange.
While he’s not the biggest or strongest guard, Bufkin plays with a ton of energy and effort. He’s a great positional rebounder and a pesky defender. He averaged two stocks per game as a sophomore and really improved on that end in year two. He’s got a long way to go defensively, especially as it relates to taking too many gambles and not fouling, but he’s trending in the right direction.
Bufkin has declared for the upcoming draft, but will still have the chance to come back to school for another season an exponentially increase his draft stock. While there’s a great chance he will be taken in the first round this summer, there’s an even better shot in the 2024 NBA Draft if he were to have another big season as a junior.
Whether it’s now or in a year, the former four-star recruit will be wearing an NBA uniform.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Mid to Late First-Round Pick in 2023 NBA Draft.
2023 Big Board
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