Juwan Howard shares importance of Kobe Bufkin to Michigan's success

Michigan lost their final game of the regular season, falling to No. 15 Indiana in overtime 75-73. The Wolverines were down by as much as 14 points to the Hoosiers, but the aggressive play of sophomore guard Kobe Bufkin helped reignite Michigan’s offense and keep the game interesting. Following the loss, Michigan head coach Juwan Howard spoke not just on Bufkin’s impact versus Indiana, but on the team all season.

“Kobe’s always been a big, large part of our team,” Howard said. “Kobe what he’s done from the beginning arriving on campus, he’s been great as far as representing the University of Michigan. So proud to have an opportunity to coach him and I will continue to keep growing him as a player.”

Bufkin took a major leap from his freshman season this year, going from coming off of the bench and averaging three points per game to starting every single game this season for the Wolverines and averaging the third most points per game on the team with 13.9.

His production on the court is evident, but according to Howard, it all stems from his dedication to the game off the court.

“Because with his work ethic and his passion for the game of basketball, he’s always gonna improve. And that’s the type of mindset he has, that’s why he puts in so much work. And when I see that and his teammates see that we just trust him,” Howard said.

Bufkin has been on a heater for the past month, scoring in double figures in his last 10 straight games for the Wolverines. He was just one point away from scoring 20 points versus Indiana, which would have been his third straight 20-plus point scoring outing in a row. He’s been an iron man for the Wolverines, playing 40-plus minutes in their last three contests, which all went into overtime. He most notably was the team’s leading scorer in their victory versus Wisconsin, dropping a carer-high 28 points and coming up clutch in overtime to secure the win.

Bufkin has appeared on NBA Draft mock boards for both the 2023 and 2024 NBA Drafts, but before that will have to focus on the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. Michigan secured the No. 8 seed in the conference and a first-round bye for the tournament, as Bufkin and the Wolverines will face Rutgers in their first matchup Thursday at 12:00 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.