College Hoops Countdown | #13 Butler

Leading up to the 2009 NIT Season Tip Off on November 16th, Pickin’ Splinters will be counting down the top 25 of the college hardwood nation.

’08 – ’09 Results: 26 – 6 (15 – 3 Horizon League) Lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament to LSU, 75 – 71.

Coach: Brad Stevens 56 – 10 (2 seasons at Butler)

Key Returners:

Gordon Hayward – 13.1ppg, 6.5rpg

Matt Howard – 14.8ppg, 6.8rpg

Shelvin Mack – 11.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.5apg

Ronald Nored – 4.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.6apg

Willie Veasley – 8.9ppg, 4.3rpg

Notable Non-Conference Tilts: 11/14 vs. Davidson, 11/18 at Northwestern, 11/26 vs. Minnesota, 11/27 vs. Portland / UCLA, 12/8 vs. Georgetown, 12/12 vs. Ohio State, 12/19 vs. Xavier

Stat of Identity: 38.5% field-goal percentage defense – 7th in the country

By Paul Gotham

If the Butler Bulldogs are ever to graduate from that of a feel-good story to a serious contender, this year’s lineup coudl do it. Five starters return from a team that won the Horizon League title before bowing to LSU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Matt Howard plays his best when the lights are brightest. The junior scored 22 in that loss to LSU. Against Xavier, Howard threw in 19 and added 14 rebounds.

But Butler is much more than a one-man show. Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack each averaged more than ten points last season. Hayward knocked down 45% (69-154) from behind the arc. Hayward scored 12 and Mack 18 in the loss to LSU. Hayward connected on four of eight from behind the arc as Mack went three of six. Mack also led the way with 111 assists.

Off the bench, Zach Hahn provides another threat from long range. The junior hit 41% (43-105) of his trifecta attempts.

Ronald Nored and Willie Veasley round out the Bulldog starting five.

Since 1997, Butler has made eight trips to the NCAA Tournament – including two Sweet Sixteen appearances (’03 and ’07). If the the Bulldogs are to contend, they must be ready to rebound come March. A challenging non-conference schedule will provide clues.