Butler Basketball: Top-10 Bulldogs of the century (2000-2018)

1. Matt Howard (2007 – 2011)

Career Stats: 13.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game

Where do you begin when it comes to Matt Howard? Even if this list extended beyond this century, the talented big man would still be near the top. Quite honestly, Howard’s impact as a player might be greater than anyone else in program history. He was one of the primary players on both of Butler’s national championship runs and was the heart and soul of the program during those seasons.

A three-time Academic All-American (2009-11) and winner of the 2011 Academic All-American of the Year award, Howard epitomized “The Butler Way” as a student­-athlete. He was a double-digit scorer per game in each of his four seasons with the program and was named the Horizon League player of the year as a sophomore in 2008-09. He was also an Honorable Mention All-American in 2009. The accolades alone would warrant placing Howard extremely high on this list.

Of course, these accolades were due to his remarkable efforts on the court. The 6’8” big man oozed energy and hustle while making the most of every single moment. If there was a loose ball, you can be sure that Howard was diving onto the floor to get it. Even as the star player, Howard could always be counted on to lay his body on the line for his team.

Behind Chad Tucker, Martin, Darrin Fitzgerald, and Dunham, Howard ranks fifth in all-time scoring for the Bulldogs. It is hard to think of any player to ever have as big of an impact on the Butler program than Matt Howard. He was the best four-year player of the century and played a starring role on the two best Butler teams of all-time. That kind of production, coupled with his aptitude in the classroom, make Howard the greatest Butler Bulldog in recent memory.

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Butler basketball has been tremendous during the 21st century and it has been largely due to the players on the court. The Bulldogs have consistently fielded teams with elite coaches and under-the-radar recruits. While these have come and gone over the years, “The Butler Way” is what connects all of them together. For students, athletes, and faculty alike, Butler University prides itself on being a community that cares for one another. These top players of the century exemplified that in their careers with the program.