Butler Basketball: 2017-18 player grades for the Bulldogs

Aaron Thompson did a lot of really good things this season. As I already alluded to in an article on his freshman season, AT stepped into a much-needed role this season and was serviceable. While this season does not jump off the page as excellent, not many freshmen can hold down a full-time starting job in the Big East. An above-average defender and a solid playmaker, there is plenty of potential with Thompson. He had a solid season but the hope is that he can become a menace over the following three years. With his ability to frustrate opponents and draw charges, he could be looked back on as one of those guys other teams want to stop facing.

On the season, Thomspon averaged just 4.3 points and saw the ball go through the basket on only 39.6% of his total shots. He was an inefficient, low-volume scorer but at least he knew his role. In fact, his 134 total field goal attempts ranked seventh on the team even though he played the fourth-most minutes. The key for him moving forward is developing a consistent 3-point shot. He made only two trifectas all season (on 15 attempts) and adding a deep shot would create more space for him to operate in general.

Thankfully, the floor for Thompson this season was relatively high due to his defense. While averaging 1.1 per game, AT was second on the Bulldogs in steals per game but more importantly led the squad in steal percentage. His on-ball defense is incredible for a freshman and will only get better as he gets stronger and becomes more accustomed to the college game.