MLive tells us what we already know... Kobe Bufkin is an ascending hooper!
Nice write-up on Kobe Bufkin and his growth as a player. Nothing groundbreaking, just a few quotes, stats, and facts.
I've been critical of Coach Howard, but the development of Bufkin this year is a credit to his coaching. This team seems to play up or down to the competition. Good or bad, that probably means they'll play closely contested games against almost everyone. I'm expecting an above .500 Big Ten record, and making the tourney without bubble pressure. A lot of that - thanks to Kobe Bufkin.
December 18th, 2022 at 7:23 PM ^
This team, as currently playing, will be lucky to flirt with the bubble. Not saying they aren't more capable, but man they are a mess currently.
December 19th, 2022 at 12:08 AM ^
A "mess" is a bit of a stretch.
They are a solid 7-3 with close losses to powers VA and KY. The only bad loss was to ASU but they are turning out to be a solid team (10-1 at present).
I get it, no good wins either.
We have an All-American center, a 1 and done wing and a McDonalds All America at shooting guard. I think 11-9 in the Big10 and a tourny bid are more likely than not.
December 18th, 2022 at 7:33 PM ^
I'm enjoying this team, partly for what they've done and partly because it will be fun to watch their development, individually and, crucially, as a team.
December 18th, 2022 at 10:42 PM ^
Really sucks for Llewelyn
December 18th, 2022 at 11:07 PM ^
Yeah, any time a player loses time to injury, it's a bummer.
December 18th, 2022 at 7:35 PM ^
No one has fixed his shot mechanics at all. Off hand is literally on front of ball and he palms the ball in his hand instead of finger tips. It’s why he gets side spin and has so many rattle around misses.
Glad he can get to the basket better this year. Added strength has helped.
December 18th, 2022 at 10:42 PM ^
That's interesting. Of all the critiques I've seen of Bufkin, I don't recall his shot mechanics being mentioned. Indeed, it's usually mentioned as a positive and a sign of likely improvement in his shooting percentages.
December 19th, 2022 at 8:05 AM ^
This guy’s 100% full of shit. It wasn’t long ago he was telling everyone how his ‘friend’, who was an ncaa athlete (who doesn’t exist, in reality), told him that people always throw around racial slurs at opponents during games and anyone who complains about that is soft. He’s entirely fill of shit and should just be ignored
December 19th, 2022 at 1:29 PM ^
My buddy was starting MLB for WMU for 3 years the stories how common racial shit is said on the field are amazing. Just because you don’t know anyone or played shit don’t take it out on me.
Also Bufkins mechanics aren’t good but you have to know hoop and what you’re looking at to see it. Not surprised a ton of people can’t see it. He was shooting like 5% from 3 at one point not too long ago with a huge sample size
December 19th, 2022 at 8:32 AM ^
Bufkin reminds me a lot of MAAR - quiet and unassuming, fundamentally sound. Leads by example.