[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2023 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Kobe Bufkin
Frame: 6′ 4″, 195 lbs
Position: Guard
Team: Michigan 
2023 draft age: 19
Stats via Battorvick.com, ESPN, Youtube, Sports-Reference

Offense

Coming off the bench every game of his freshman season, Bufkin emerged as a clear-cut starter in his sophomore campaign, starting all 34 for the Wolverines. His shooting improved, and Bufkin earned the trust of his coaches as an offensive focal point. Still just 19, Bufkin is younger than projected first-round pick Jett Howard, leaving ample time for his game to grow just as it did at Michigan. 

Bufkin does many things well on the offensive side of the ball; his size, athleticism, playmaking, and shooting abilities are all good, not great. Still, he is a well-rounded scorer and can make plays from all three levels. 

His two-point shooting percentage of 54.6 percent ranks ninth of 98 high-major Division I combo guards, showcasing Bufkin’s ability to get to his spots and make the right decision. In addition, Bufkin’s three-point shooting saw significant improvements from his freshman year, converting 35.5 percent of his attempts this season, compared to just 22.2 percent as a freshman. 

Bufkin emerged as an efficient scorer this year at Michigan, his true shooting percentage of 57.8 percent ranked 18th of the previously mentioned guards, and his effective field goal percentage of 54.2 percent ranked 19th. Bufkin has a smooth left-handed stroke, is a willing passer, and may possess the skill set to run an offense at the next level. Playing primarily as an off-ball guard this year at Michigan allowed Bufkin to command attention with his scoring and make the extra pass when the defense converged on him, as evidenced by his 2.9 assists per game, second on the team to point guard Dug McDaniel.

 

Defense

Bufkin is a capable on-ball defender with keen instincts that should translate to the next level. He could become a defensive nuisance with his lateral quickness and wingspan (exemplified by his 1.3 steals per contest).

Bufkins’s block percentage of 2.1 ranks ninth of the 98 Division I combo guards mentioned above, and his steal percentage of 2.3 ranks 27th. He can make plays using his close-out speed along the perimeter and hustles back into plays when beaten. 

Bufkin’s defensive efforts will earn him minutes in his rookie season. While he may gamble incorrectly, as evidenced by his team-leading 2.4 fouls per game, the aggression and intensity levels are present, an encouraging sign for any young prospect.

  • 17:31 mark, Bufkin holds his ground in the post against 6’6 senior forward Justice Sueing, blocking his shot. 
  • 19:34, Bufkin fights through a screen, preventing star guard Jalen Pickett from backing him down in the post, eventually stealing the ball using his long wingspan. 
  • 20:38, Bufkin picks up projected lottery pick Cason Wallace near half court, applying on-ball pressure and stealing the ball. 

Bufkin can become one of the premier defenders from this draft class; he crashes the glass, switches well, jumps lanes, and blocks shots. He can guard bigger guards and compete in the post against forwards. Bufkin is aggressive and committed to playing hard defensively, as illustrated by his top-third defensive rebounding percentages among 98 major Division I combo guards, showing his aggressive nature and commitment on the defensive end. As long as Bufkin can reduce his tendency to foul, there is little doubt he should become a top-notch defensive guard. 

Looking Ahead

Anticipate an off-the-bench role as a two-guard to commence Bufkins’ career. While his defensive intensity will earn him minutes, he must prove his offensive efficiency this past season wasn’t a fluke. Bufkin was second on his team in assists but also second in turnovers; taking good care of the ball is an essential part of basketball, especially for a young guard fighting for a spot in the rotation. With an average assist: turnover ratio (ranked 48th of 98), good size, and shooting (albeit not great), Bufkin may struggle to prove he’s a capable offensive guard in his reserved early-season role. 

His shooting splits as a freshman were abysmal in limited action, so Bufkin may struggle early in his career to develop offensive chemistry and become an effective scorer off the bench. However, the final 12 games of the season saw Bufkin average over 17 points per game while hitting 23 of 51 threes (45 percent), he saved his best basketball for late in the season, and his game only improved as he gained experience and confidence. 

From a 22 percent three-point shooter to over 45 percent to finish his college career, Bufkin took the time and effort to improve his offensive game. A calculated scorer and an aggressive defender, Bufkin got the most out of his extra season at Michigan to revamp his game in preparation for the next level. 

Bufkin has showcased his willingness to improve this past season. Suppose he can remain a pesky defender while minimizing defensive gambles, continue to be an effective scorer and work on his playmaking. Bufkin may turn heads and become the superior player from Michigan in this upcoming draft.