We continue our recruit and return series with the Butler Bulldogs, whose season ended Sunday against Purdue. A look at what the 2018-19 season could hold for LaVall Jordan and Butler:
Possible 2018-19 starting five
F: Nate Fowler
Who is lost: The Bulldogs must bid farewell to Kelan Martin, one of the best players in program history. Martin proved himself to be among the Big East’s best the past three years, averaging around 15-16 points his sophomore and junior seasons and then putting up more than 21 points a game as a senior. He was one of the toughest players in the league to guard, routinely looking unstoppable for long stretches. Along with Martin, Butler is losing big man Tyler Wideman. Wideman wasn’t a huge point producer, but he was a double-figure threat who was unbelievably efficient from inside the arc. Both players will be missed.
Who is added: LaVall Jordan is bringing in only two newcomers, but one player has everyone excited: Duke transfer Jordan Tucker. Tucker was a top-50 player coming out of high school but could never find a role with the Blue Devils during the first half of his freshman season. He decided to transfer and ended up heading to Butler. He’s a high-level shooter who has the size to play a small-ball 4 for the Bulldogs. His ability to stretch the defense will be an asset for Butler. The lone freshman signed right now is forward Markeese Hastings.
What it means for next season: Essentially the entire perimeter group for Butler is back, led by all-conference guard Kamar Baldwin. His scoring fell off somewhat down the stretch of the season, but he’s a high-level playmaker who can score with the ball in his hands or create for teammates. With Martin gone, he’ll have to shoulder more of the scoring load. Paul Jorgensen, who transferred from George Washington two years ago, takes some of the pressure off Baldwin, as he can run the offense or play off the ball. Freshman Aaron Thompson is a tough-minded two-way player who carved out a role as the third guard for the Bulldogs. He could see an increase in minutes next season. Then there’s 6-foot-6 Sean McDermott, the best perimeter shooter on the team. In lineups that feature both McDermott and Tucker, Butler will be tough to guard. Who will provide inside production for the Bulldogs? The best option will be 6-foot-10 Nate Fowler, who was able to contribute a few double-figure games this season. Former four-star prospect Joey Brunk should also help.
Trending: Neutral. Butler loses Martin and Wideman up front, but its entire backcourt returns, and Tucker adds another dimension to the wing. The Bulldogs could also make some late moves on the transfer market. Jordan showed well in his first season in the Big East, despite some bumps in the road late in the season, and should keep Butler in the hunt for another NCAA tournament bid.