Michigan Basketball: 5 major 2022 offseason storylines for Wolverines
By Greg Waddell
4. Will either Frankie Collins or Kobe Bufkin develop into a rotation player?
I named Caleb Houstan and Moussa Diabate as important players to watch, pending their return. Their development into all-conference quality players could be the key to Michigan’s ceiling.
But the truth is, even if Michigan were to lose BOTH of the talented frontcourt players, they have other options ready to replace them. Terrance Williams and Jett Howard both project to be rotation players on the wing, and there are enough bodies on the roster capable of playing any combination of the 3-5 that depth is not a concern.
In the backcourt, however, the development of both Frankie Collins and Kobe Bufkin is critical to a good season. There isn’t another returning guard on the roster, and the only other newcomer is 5’9″ true freshman Dug McDaniel.
Ideally, both show enough improvement to be 20+ minute per game players next season, even if Howard is able to add a transfer. Both players were highly ranked recruits and show signs of Big Ten level talent.
Collins appears physically ready and was a high-level defender by postseason play. The downside with Collins is that he can’t shoot – at all. If he adds a reliable shot from just the free throw line next season, it would help him immensely. He is likely to play major minutes at point guard no matter what, but adding a shot would be a big boost to make those minutes ‘good’ minutes.
Bufkin was overwhelmed nearly every time he stepped on the floor last year. His shot passed the eye test, but not the ‘did it go in?’ test. He missed defensive rotations consistently, and his one and only stretch on the floor in the NCAA Tournament ended with a missed breakaway layup. Bufkin clearly has potential – but he needs a summer in the weight room mixed with plenty of shots in a practice gym.
He will get another shot undoubtedly, but Howard (and his #ForCompetitorsOnly mantra) is already hunting a transfer to come take his spot. Next season could be make or break for Bufkin’s career at Michigan.