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Butler Basketball: Breaking down each 2018-19 non-conference opponent

By Lukas Harkins

CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 02: Jordan the head coach of the Butler Bulldogs gives instructions to his team against the Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center on January 2, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 02: Jordan the head coach of the Butler Bulldogs gives instructions to his team against the Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center on January 2, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 01: Morgan #13 of the Indiana Hoosiers works, (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 01: Morgan #13 of the Indiana Hoosiers works, (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Dec. 15: Indiana vs. Butler (Crossroads Classic)

The Crossroads Classic is one of the best non-conference events in college basketball, in my opinion. Indiana is one of the best basketball states in the country and it awesome to see the four top programs on the same court in one day. Having attended the event in each of the past three years, I can attest that the atmosphere is awesome. Fans from around the state flock to this event and the quality of basketball on the floor in two games is better than most events you can attend prior to conference tournaments.

During the 2018 edition of the event, Butler will be facing off against Indiana.  During this past season, Indiana struggled to a 16-15 (9-9 Big Ten) record. However, with several returning key players, including rising senior Juwan Morgan (16.5 points), as well as a dynamite recruiting class coming in, the Hoosiers should be much-improved and a potential NCAA Tournament team.

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In this neutral-site matchup, there will be a few key matchups to watch. With Kamar Baldwin (BU) and Romeo Langford (IU) running the show for their respective teams, this game will feature two of the best guards in the entire country. In addition, coaches Archie Miller and LaVall Jordan are both in their second seasons at the helm of their programs and this is the first time they will square off against each other.

One of the underlying stories in this matchup will also be the likely debut of Jordan Tucker as a member of the Bulldogs. Originally a member of the Duke Blue Devils, Tucker elected to transfer to Butler at mid-season last year. This will likely be the first game that Tucker will be eligible to play in for the Dawgs and it will be interesting to see how head coach LaVall Jordan uses him.