The Butler Bulldogs missed last year's NCAA Tournament, but a strong showing in the new Big East has them firmly in the field.
Resume:
Record – 22-10 (12-6 in Big East)
RPI – 32
Strength of Schedule – 43
Starting Lineup:
G Alex Barlow (Sr.) – 9.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg
G Kellen Dunham (Jr.) – 16.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg
G Roosevelt Jones (Jr.) – 12.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg
F Andrew Chrabascz (So.) – 11.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg
F Kameron Woods (Sr.) – 7.8 ppg, 9.8 rpg
Key Player:
Kellen Dunham
Dunham has taken over their reigns form Gordon Hayward as Butler's best player, and his long-range shooting ability makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He has expanded his game to where he's now a threat off the dribble as well, making him a very dangerous offensive player.
Biggest Strength:
Outside Shooting
Dunham is a big part of Butler's gameplan, but everyone on their roster can shoot the ball from deep. They shoot 36 percent from long range as a team are are among the nation's leaders in three-pointers made.
Biggest Weakness:
Shot Blocking
Butler's focus on shooting leads to a guard-heavy offense, and as a result they don't have the size necessary to protect the rim effectively. They average less than three blocks per game, ranking them just 231st in the country.
Outlook:
Butler can shoot their way into a long tournament run, but they can also shoot themselves out of it in the first round. They might win their first round matchup - just don't expect another Cinderella Final Four run.
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