Grand Rapids’ Kobe Bufkin Is #15 Pick For Atlanta Hawks
Celebration is in order for the 616! It is time for fireworks and a party!
From Grand Rapids, Michigan to the NBA!
Congratulations to Michigan basketball guard Kobe Bufkin!
This is a big deal! Plus, this is a first-round draft pick!
The Grand Rapids native and former McDonald's All-American was drafted as the #15 overall by the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night (June 22nd).
According to Detroit Press,
Bufkin said that he is
"Very excited. This is what we work for. I'm just happy to be successful in this way. There are many different ways this could have ended up, but it took me here, so I'm glad to be here."
Even his mother, Kimberly, was overjoyed! As she should be! As the city should be!
"We're here. Grand Rapids, Michigan is here!"
Bufkin and former top-50 recruit, Jett Howard, were the only two Wolverines to declare for the 2023 NBA Draft! Howard was drafted at #11 by the Orlando Magic.
Their selection makes this the third consecutive year that multiple Wolverines were drafted. Plus, this is only the second time in THREE decades that two Michigan players were drafted in the top 15.
The last time this happened was when Juwan Howard and Jalen Rose were drafted #5 and #13 in 1994.
Kobe Bufkin earned the All-Big Ten third-team honors after averaging 14 points, 4,5 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.9 assists in just 33 games!
He finished his final 12 games with an average of 17.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
The Grand Rapids Christian graduate is doing big things for the city!
Remember the name, Kobe Bufkin!