The Michigan Wolverines basketball program achieved a significant milestone in this year’s NBA Draft. For the first time since Head Coach Juwan Howard was drafted in 1994 with fellow teammate Jalen Rose, two Wolverines players were selected in the top 15 picks of the NBA Draft. The talented guards Jett Howard and Kobe Bufkin received the honor of donning NBA jerseys, marking six players now drafted since Juwan Howard took over as head coach for the 2019-2020 season.
Headlining the duo is Jett Howard, son of the esteemed coach. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as Jett showcased his exceptional skills throughout his freshman year. Standing tall at 6’8″, he brings remarkable length to the guard position, combined with an accurate shooting touch. Howard’s shooting percentages of 41.4% from the floor, 36.8% from three-point range, and an impressive 80% from the free-throw line demonstrate his scoring prowess. Averaging 14.2 points per game, Jett was a vital offensive contributor and the team’s third-leading scorer, narrowly trailing Bufkin and the big man Hunter Dickinson.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks secured the services of the talented guard Kobe Bufkin with the 15th overall pick. Bufkin’s stock soared during his impressive sophomore season, where he emerged as a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. Standing at 6’4″ and shooting with the wrong hand, Bufkin’s impact on Michigan’s offense was palpable. His shooting percentages of 48.7% from the field, 36.2% from beyond the arc, and 85% from the free-throw line attest to the fact that he was the most important player on the floor for the second half of the season.
Despite the excitement generated by two top 15 draft picks, Michigan’s season ultimately fell short of their NCAA Tournament aspirations. However, the Wolverines are determined to rebuild and reload their roster, seeking to bounce back stronger in the upcoming season.
This unprecedented achievement highlights the continued growth and development of the Michigan Wolverines basketball program under the guidance of Head Coach Juwan Howard. As Jett Howard and Kobe Bufkin embark on their professional journeys, the Wolverines’ legacy is further cemented, and the program’s future shines brightly.