Michigan’s Kobe Bufkin Declares for NBA Draft

“As a result of our collective dedication, I was able to fulfill my dream of attending and representing the University of Michigan,” he said in a statement.

“To my U of M family, it was been an amazing experience, being a part of such an iconic university. This is including the Ann Arbor community, the outstanding academic experience, and of course, my basketball brotherhood. A brotherhood that I will forever hold close to my heart.”

Bufkin is 6-foot-4 and started all 33 games as a sophomore, averaging 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists, shooting 48 percent from the field. He is sometimes listed as a point guard but will likely have to be a shooting guard at the next level.

ESPN currently has him ranked as the No. 23 overall prospect. Several scouts who spoke to Hoops Wire said they view Bufkin as a late first- or early second-round pick.