10 under-the-radar NBA draft prospects that every team should target

Under-the-Radar Prospect #4: Kobe Bufkin, Michigan

It’s more an indictment of Juwan Howard than an absence of talent when it comes to the Michigan Wolverines’ disappointing season. They came in with a potential all-American in Hunter Dickinson, boast a potential first-round prospect in Jett Howard, and had a Bufkin breakout all in the same season. All that got them was an early exit from the NIT.

Bufkin’s sophomore surge is one of the more impressive emergences for a second-year college player in recent years. He improved on his scoring, driving, passing, playmaking, decision-making, and defense, all while taking on a bigger role than before.

It’s hard to overstate that type of growth. Given how rabid NBA teams are to get young, malleable players into their systems, the fact that Bufkin’s only nineteen and made major strides like this in his second year should keep him on the draft boards for every franchise:

In the modern NBA, the need for quality guards who can handle the ball, create for themselves, and set up the offense for others is crucial. Teams like the Grizzlies, Knicks, and Nuggets, amongst many others, would love to have a young guard like Bufkin who can give them success now and upside later.