NCAA Basketball: Predicting commitment of 2021 4-star G Kobe Bufkin

By Ian Mumm | Jul 8, 2020

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 01: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines talks with Zavier Simpson #3 of the Michigan Wolverines in the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena on March 01, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – MARCH 08: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Michigan State Spartans

The Spartans are having quite the 10-day stretch. Emoni Bates, the widely viewed top high school prospect since LeBron James and #1 overall in the 2022 class committed to the program last week. Michigan State added a 2nd 5-star wing in the span of a week with Tuesday’s commitment of 2021’s Max Christie. Pierre Brooks, the top 2021 player in Michigan, is also committed as well.

Between in-state rivals, the Spartans were the first program to extend an offer to Bufkin. As a physical guard, his play naturally fits into what Tom Izzo is trying to create on the floor – a hard-nosed, gritty, and tough team to beat you down for 40 minutes. His versatility is definitely an attractive aspect for Spartans fans moving forward.

As a combo guard, Bufkin proved to be just as effective coming off screens to shoot as he was in penetrating and kicking to open teammates. With recent issues regarding backcourt depth, as a direct result of injuries, having depth to step in would prove vital to Izzo’s long-term ambitions of an NCAA Championship.

However, the commitment of 2 top shooting guards already in the Spartans 2021 class makes it difficult to find an easy path to playing time for Bufkin. The likely addition of Jaden Akins to the program further complicates the narrative and likeliness that Bufkin dons the Green and White.

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