Big East Rankings: #10 – Butler

In today’s edition of the Big East Rankings, we examine the Butler Bulldogs. After a tough season a year ago, the Bulldogs strive for a better season. Unfortunately, they are ranked tenth in these rankings. The article below details the reasoning behind this ranking. 

Big East Rankings: #10 – Butler

Projected Starting Five 

PG- Posh Alexander

SG- DJ Davis 

SF-Jahyml Telfort

PF- Pierre Brooks 

C- Jalen Thomas 

Where the Bulldogs Found Success?

Defense 

Butler was a sound defense team. Thad Matta’s squad amped up their defense in Big East play. The Bulldogs were 3rd in scoring defense in conference play, so they got the job done. Furthermore, they defended the three-point pretty well. They were 5th in the conference in the opponent’s three-point shooting percentage, so they succeeded on this side of the ball. 

The Transfer Portal

The Bulldogs made moves in the transfer portal to upgrade their offensive struggles from a year ago. Telfort averaged 16 points a game last season, and DJ Davis averaged 15 points on 40% shooting from three. Pierre Brooks is also a three-point shooter. However, their transfers improve their depth as well. Landon Moore, who averaged 13 points at St. Francis (PA) is another good piece to boost their offense. Finally, Andre Screen is another good big man from Bucknell who brings efficient paint scoring for the Bulldogs. Butler upgraded their roster, and it can help them turn their season around. 

Why Are They Ten?

Unproven Offense

Even though the Bulldogs made nice additions in the transfer portal, they were a low-ranked offense last season. They struggled to score and that is something that is going to be hard to fix. Butler did get good pieces, but the coaching and the defensive talent, in the Big East, are tough to contend with. The Bulldogs are in a tough spot because they had offensive issues that plagued them last season. Even though defense is important, offense helps balance the game and keeps the team consistent. Thad Matta needs to prove that this year’s team is a team that produces efficient offense.  

The Talent Pool in the Big East is Slightly Greater

Across the Big East, there are a slew of good teams. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs are not as talented on paper as some of the higher-ranked teams in the conference. Butler does possess excellent players, but the Big East is one of the best conferences in the country. Talent is not always the most essential thing, but it goes into Preseason Rankings. Butler does not have the overall talent as some of the higher-ranked teams in this conference. 

The Last Word

The Butler Bulldogs have an opportunity to make a step forward. However, the Big East is improved, and it makes it difficult for the Bulldogs to find success. Nevertheless, the Bulldogs are higher than DePaul because of their defense and more balanced team. Thad Matta needs to make some improvements, and this is the season to do it. Let’s see if he is up to the challenge.