Mr. Basketball Candidate: Kobe Bufkin
The Mr. Basketball award is probably the most prestigious distinction in Michigan high school basketball. Since 1981, 18 of the winners of this award have gone on to be drafted in the NBA. It has been won by legends such…
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Continue ReadingThe Mr. Basketball award is probably the most prestigious distinction in Michigan high school basketball. Since 1981, 18 of the winners of this award have gone on to be drafted in the NBA. It has been won by legends such as Chris Webber, Terry Mills, Cassius Winston, Glen Rice, and Sam Vincent. Last year, Benton Harbor’s Scooby Johnson claimed the honor. In a condensed season, the Mr. Basketball award may be even tougher than normal to determine. It seems like the right time to introduce some realistic candidates for the award this season.
We start by looking at Kobe Bufkin Kobe Bufkin 6'4" | SG Grand Rapids Christian | 2021 State #71 Nation MI , a star combo guard at Grand Rapids Christian. He projects more as a 2 guard at the next level but his ball handling and leadership should make him a viable option for minutes at the point as well. Bufkin is ranked as the number 1 prospect in the state by Prep Hoops Michigan and number 71 nationally by Prep Hoops. Other publications have him ranked as high as number 47 in the country. Bufkin is committed to Juwan Howard and the University of Michigan. He’s part of what is considered to be the number 1 ranked recruiting class in the country.
Bufkin has come a long way in his high school basketball career. He entered the scene as a relatively unheralded guard prospect from the west side of the state. The west side, and Grand Rapids in particular, has dramatically increased the amount, and quality, of high level basketball prospects over the last 5 years or so. Bufkin has played a key role in the growth and attention to given to prospects in that part of Michigan.
Bufkin has turned into one of the most viable and dynamic scoring threats in the midwest, and most likely, the country. He’s a smooth athlete that glides in the open floor. Bufkin has a swooping drive that puts his defenders on his hip and opens up multiple options offensively. He can score on the move as well as spotting up with an open look. Bufkin has a pretty lefty stroke. He can shed defenders with his off hand, stay focused on the rim, and deliver buckets. His length in his upper body has turned into an asset defensively.
Kobe Bufkin Kobe Bufkin 6'4" | SG Grand Rapids Christian | 2021 State #71 Nation MI should be considered one of the odds on favorites for Michigan’s Mr. Basketball in 2021. He’s a talented yet humble player that would be a great representation of Michigan high school basketball for years to come.