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

1. Michigan Wolverines

Juwan Howard is doing his best to compete with the Spartans, both on the court and on the recruiting trail. He’s doing a great job at it too, with commitments from wing Isaiah Barnes and forward Will Tschetter to the 2021 class in the last two weeks. Despite the early success, the Wolverines have only the 6th best recruiting class in the conference and Howard must stay active to keep the program near the top of the Big Ten.

After the 2020 season, Michigan is set to lose guards Mike Smith and Eli Brooks. The departure of Zavier Simpson, a steady and productive leader for the Wolverines, has significantly cast the backcourt into a state of flux. Aside from incoming freshman Zeb Jackson, the 2021 roster will not have another guard to run the team amplifying the need for Bufkin to commit on Friday.

Bufkin’s ability as a combo guard will be crucial for Howard, especially from a rotational standpoint. His ability to score from the perimeter and mix up his shots will keep defenses honest and open the floor for center Hunter Dickinson and Terrance Williams in the middle. Also, his court vision and skill running the offense will open scoring chances for himself in the lane or over the top of screens.

Expect Bufkin to commit to the Wolverines on Friday and become the program’s best addition to date. Howard is still in the ears of top guards Jalen Warley and Jaden Hardy, as well as wings Harrison Ingram and Peyton Watson.

Prediction: Commits to Michigan