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Butler Basketball: Setting 2019 offseason priorities for the Dawgs

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 06: Head coach LaVall Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs reacts in the second half of a game against the Xavier Musketeers at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Xavier defeated Butler 98-93 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 06: Head coach LaVall Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs reacts in the second half of a game against the Xavier Musketeers at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Xavier defeated Butler 98-93 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 02: Baddley of the Bulldogs drives. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 02: Baddley of the Bulldogs drives. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Butler basketball has already been active in filling holes heading into this coming season. What else might the Dawgs need to work on over the offseason?

Butler basketball uncharacteristically missed the NCAA Tournament during this past season. Even in a “down” year for the Big East, the program was unable to gather enough momentum in conference play as they slipped towards the cellar in the final weeks of the season. This was surely a disappointing campaign for Butler, on the whole, but there is hope moving forward. The Bulldogs return their fair share of talent heading into this coming season and it is reasonable to expect that the young coaching staff will improve along with the players.

The program will need to address many items over the course of this offseason, though. Thankfully, it already seems as though the coaching staff set the correct priorities in seeking out a graduate transfer center. Following the departures of Nate Fowler (graduation) and Joey Brunk (transfer), the Dawgs desperately needed to add an immediately eligible big man to hold down some minutes inside. Coach Jordan and Co. were able to do just that when they landed Derrik Smits, a 7-foot-2 center from Valparaiso.

That commitment, though, should be just the first of many developments for the program in what could be a pivotal offseason. In order for Butler to return to the NCAA Tournament next season (and build another appearance streak in the future), the team should look to focus on many items. Every program in college hoops has room for improvement and Butler is certainly no different.

Let’s take a dive into some potential priorities for the Butler basketball program this offseason.