The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1497536
36 THE WOLVERINE ❱ MAY 2023 ❱ MICHIGAN BASKETBALL KOBE BUFKIN DECLARES FOR NBA DRAFT Michigan guard Kobe Bufkin had a breakout season in 2022-23 and is headed to the NBA. Bufkin announced April 2 that he'll forgo his final two sea- sons of eligibility and enter the draft, joining guard Jett Howard as a potential first-rounder. The 6-foot-4, 195-pounder averaged 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this past season, shooting 54.6 percent on twos and 35.5 percent on three-pointers. "I have enormous respect for the game of basketball and an equal ap- preciation to my village who constantly [make] sacrifices," Bufkin said in a statement. "I want to express my grati- tude to my family and friends, to my lifelong teammates, and coaches and trainers over the years. "As a result of our collective dedica- tion, I was able to fulfill my dream of at- tending and representing the University of Michigan. "To my U of M family, it has been an amazing experience, being a part of such an iconic university. This in- cludes the Ann Arbor community, the outstanding academic experience and, of course, my basketball brotherhood. A brotherhood that I will forever hold close to heart." Bufkin made an incredible transfor- mation from freshman to sophomore year. He stuck around last spring and summer to work with Michigan strength coach Jon Sanderson, was praised for his hard work and improved mightily as a result. In his first year, Bufkin put up just 3.0 points and 1.1 rebounds per contest, playing in and out of the rota- tion due to struggles on defense and with hitting open jump shots. Bufkin's "sophomore leap" of averaging 11 more points per game in his second season than he did in his first (from 3.0 to 14.0) marks the biggest year- over-year increase in the Michi- gan program during the last 15 seasons. — Clayton Sayfie HUNTER DICKINSON ENTERS TRANSFER PORTAL Michigan center Hunter Dick- inson has two years of eligibility left, but he'll assess his options and likely use them elsewhere. In a surprise move, he entered the transfer portal March 31, join- ing guard Isaiah Barnes (Tulsa) as Wolverines to depart via the portal this offseason. Dickinson did not publicly comment about his reasons for entering the portal, even on his own podcast, "Roundball." He hasn't sent out a farewell to Michigan, either, and commu- nication with the U-M staff has ensued, leaving the door open for a possible return. Head coach Juwan Howard, who recruited Dickinson to Michigan and coached him for three seasons, sent out a statement after the news dropped. "Today is bittersweet," the Michi- gan head coach began. "While Hunter Dickinson's departure is unfortunate, there are so many reasons to be thank- ful for and celebrate. This young man has accomplished so much in his three seasons. "Statistics aside, Hunter helped us to a Big Ten title, back-to-back Sweet 16s, as well as a memorable Elite Eight run. These are memories that will last a lifetime. "What I love most is he was an Aca- demic All-Big Ten honoree, twice. That says so much about his character and maturity. As much as I tried to instill in him, he was a guide and inspiration for me. "We wish Hunter and his family all the best in the future." In 2023, Dickinson was named All- Big Ten for the third time in his Michi- Bufkin declared for the NBA Draft on April 2 after averaging 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this past season. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL In 2023, Dickinson was named All-Big Ten for the third time in his Michigan career, after averaging 18.5 points, 9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. He entered the transfer portal March 31. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL