I watched a game I dvr'd of Butler and looked over its roster for the first time. I came away incredibly impressed. I had no idea they returned so much experience. The balance in scholarships is also incredible...they are truly the definition of a program. They just reload. They return four guys that played over 17 mpg for them last year (not including Jones), another that played 11, and several others that saw the court between 3-7 mpg. Three guys (not including Jones) played between 16-21 mpg for the Final Four team two years ago.
Brad Stevens was amazing and a huge loss, but I think they really knocked it out of the park with hiring Brandon Miller. I really didn't know how tied in he was to the program. The announcers said he played at legendary New Castle Chrysler High in Indiana for Sam Alford and that Steve Alford babysat for him. I also didn't put two and two together that he was the same Brandon Miller that led Butler to the tournament as a player in 2003. He looks way older to me.
I think Dunham and Marshall are both all-conference players at year's end. Dunham particularly is really impressive. I can't see him lower than 2nd Team All- Big East. He'll be an All-American before he's done. If Roosevelt Jones wasn't injured, I'd say they would be a near lock to win the league this year. They also had their best recruiting class possibly ever this year--four three star players (two in the top 150 by Rivals). The 6'4 freshman Elijah Brown looked really good. He'll be a player for sure.
When Jones comes back next season, Butler will be a top 20 team. The talented freshman and sophs will ensure they remain a very quality program for years to come. Definitely a good add to the conference.
Brad Stevens was amazing and a huge loss, but I think they really knocked it out of the park with hiring Brandon Miller. I really didn't know how tied in he was to the program. The announcers said he played at legendary New Castle Chrysler High in Indiana for Sam Alford and that Steve Alford babysat for him. I also didn't put two and two together that he was the same Brandon Miller that led Butler to the tournament as a player in 2003. He looks way older to me.
I think Dunham and Marshall are both all-conference players at year's end. Dunham particularly is really impressive. I can't see him lower than 2nd Team All- Big East. He'll be an All-American before he's done. If Roosevelt Jones wasn't injured, I'd say they would be a near lock to win the league this year. They also had their best recruiting class possibly ever this year--four three star players (two in the top 150 by Rivals). The 6'4 freshman Elijah Brown looked really good. He'll be a player for sure.
When Jones comes back next season, Butler will be a top 20 team. The talented freshman and sophs will ensure they remain a very quality program for years to come. Definitely a good add to the conference.
