Yeah, yeah, it's Wisconsin week, we're 4-0, I get it. But since we're a basketball school... 
Every year, there's an "X factor," a guy whose expected contribution is somewhat/largely unknown, and can significantly raise the ceiling of the team if that contribution turns out to be at the top of, or beyond expectations. My nominee this year is Kobe Bufkin. Kobe, while a McDs AA, is less known and touted than classmates Caleb Houstan and Moussa Diabate, didn't play at a prep school superpower against nationally ranked opponents like they did, and missed the summer circuit in 2020 because of the cancellation of much of same due to COVID. Thus, while everyone sees a very bright future for him, the question of how quickly that future will arrive is still to be determined.
Kobe, if he's ready, brings a lot to the table which we otherwise do not have on the roster unless Zeb Jackson develops significantly. The Zeb development may occur--I remain convinced that he's got the skills and athletic ability to be a significant contributor over time--but Kobe is very likely to have a higher ceiling than is Zeb based on skill set and, in particular, on shooting and scoring. Since we're talking about elevating the team's ceiling to its maximum level, I think that elevation comes most from a good/great contribution from Kobe.
Bufkin is a big guard on a team which will start 2 small ones, and has a back-up PG who is small as well. Having the option to play a big guard is important defensively and in terms of being able to more easily finish at the rim against certain opponents. He is also a good perimeter shooter (not great, but with potential to be very good) on a team whose other back-up guards have always been medicre or worse from deep. He can create with the ball, which allows him to substitute for either of our combo guards (Brooks and Jones), and minimizes, to some extent, the fact that neither is a pure PG. He also would give us some line-up flexxibility if he can play a bit of 3 against certain teams, and allow Houstan to play small-ball 4 in those situations.
If it takes some time for Kobe to develop, and it may, as strength is certainly a concern, we're still going to be really good, and even better if, as I said, Zeb can do some of the things highlighted above. However, immediate, positive and substantial contributions from Kobe would, IMO, elevate this team to potential monster status.
I can't wait to start getting some reports, and then to seeing us in live action. I'm planning to be at the Wayne State exhibition game the night before the IU football game, and hope to see others there. Go Blue!
Every year, there's an "X factor," a guy whose expected contribution is somewhat/largely unknown, and can significantly raise the ceiling of the team if that contribution turns out to be at the top of, or beyond expectations. My nominee this year is Kobe Bufkin. Kobe, while a McDs AA, is less known and touted than classmates Caleb Houstan and Moussa Diabate, didn't play at a prep school superpower against nationally ranked opponents like they did, and missed the summer circuit in 2020 because of the cancellation of much of same due to COVID. Thus, while everyone sees a very bright future for him, the question of how quickly that future will arrive is still to be determined.
Kobe, if he's ready, brings a lot to the table which we otherwise do not have on the roster unless Zeb Jackson develops significantly. The Zeb development may occur--I remain convinced that he's got the skills and athletic ability to be a significant contributor over time--but Kobe is very likely to have a higher ceiling than is Zeb based on skill set and, in particular, on shooting and scoring. Since we're talking about elevating the team's ceiling to its maximum level, I think that elevation comes most from a good/great contribution from Kobe.
Bufkin is a big guard on a team which will start 2 small ones, and has a back-up PG who is small as well. Having the option to play a big guard is important defensively and in terms of being able to more easily finish at the rim against certain opponents. He is also a good perimeter shooter (not great, but with potential to be very good) on a team whose other back-up guards have always been medicre or worse from deep. He can create with the ball, which allows him to substitute for either of our combo guards (Brooks and Jones), and minimizes, to some extent, the fact that neither is a pure PG. He also would give us some line-up flexxibility if he can play a bit of 3 against certain teams, and allow Houstan to play small-ball 4 in those situations.
If it takes some time for Kobe to develop, and it may, as strength is certainly a concern, we're still going to be really good, and even better if, as I said, Zeb can do some of the things highlighted above. However, immediate, positive and substantial contributions from Kobe would, IMO, elevate this team to potential monster status.
I can't wait to start getting some reports, and then to seeing us in live action. I'm planning to be at the Wayne State exhibition game the night before the IU football game, and hope to see others there. Go Blue!
