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Butler Basketball: Cooper Neese to transfer from program

By Tristan Freeman

RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 19: The Butler Bulldogs bench cheers in the first half againt the Virginia Cavaliers during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PNC Arena on March 19, 2016 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 19: The Butler Bulldogs bench cheers in the first half againt the Virginia Cavaliers during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PNC Arena on March 19, 2016 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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For the second time in a week, a Big East program will have a player transfer early in the season. The first was Jared Ridder from Xavier, now it’s Cooper Neese for the Butler Bulldogs.

Cooper Neese was ranked by 247 Sports as the No. 233 best prospect for the 2017 class originally for Chris Holtman and Butler. When Holtman left for the Ohio State job, Neese was steadfast in his commitment to the program.

Although not ranked highly, Neese was a decorated scorer for Indiana State. Considered a top ten player in the state, there were high expectations for the 6’4 guard during his time with the Bulldogs.

However, his time with LaVall Jordan and the team lasted about a week, with the announcement of his intentions to leave. When asked about his reasons, Neese never mentioned any issues with the staff but rather the fit with the program.

However, if you take a look at the roster, you’ll see exactly why he left. Kamar Baldwin, probably the best player on the team and the lead guard, is only a sophomore. 6’2 Paul Jorgensen, a transfer from George Washington, will get major minutes at the two spot.

The real problem with Neese comes with the recruiting class he came with. All four players are guards, with three including Neese being point guards. Aaron Thompson was a four-star commit as was Christian David at the point guard position. Jerald Butler has great size for a guard and figures to play an immediate role.

Neese could very well be a better shooter than the others, but, if his defense was lacking way behind the others, then it’s impossible to find consistent minutes for him. Leaving now is a benefit for both sides as Neese can find a good place for him and Jordan can use that scholarship for another talented player that won’t buried on the bench.

Next: Butler 2017-18 season preview

It’s been reported now that he will stay local, transferring to Indiana State. It’s a good pickup for the team as they’ll have to replace their leading scorer Brenton Scott. He will have to sit out this season per NCAA rules.