Butler Basketball: How Henry Baddley is an underrated contributor

Butler basketball projects to be a deep team in 2018-19. While several players will contribute to this depth, Henry Baddley is one flying under-the-radar.

Even though Tyler Wideman and Kelan Martin are no longer on the team, there is plenty of depth on the Butler basketball roster. More specifically, there are seemingly endless wings with the budding potential to play significant minutes during this upcoming season. This, though, is far from a problem for head coach LaVall Jordan, as there are plenty of options for him to choose from in terms of minutes distribution.

However, the majority of the press surrounding the wings on the roster has revolved around junior Sean McDermott and Duke transfer Jordan Tucker. Both elite shooters who can stretch the floor as well as attack the basket, these players project as potential starters for the team this season (when both are eligible). With the press attention that these two have received, though, there has simply not been enough love given to Henry Baddley, who is entering his junior year.

As a sophomore last season, the 6-foot-4 Baddley appeared in all 35 games for the Bulldogs while averaging 15.2 minutes per game. Even though Baddley did not start a single game last season, he played extremely well in his role as a reserve wing. Over the course of this past season, he averaged 4.1 points and 1.9 rebounds per game while posting shooting splits of .566/.465/.846 (2P/3P/FT).

While he obviously did not play a major role within the offense, this does not mean that he was not an important member of the rotation. To put it simply, what Baddley brings to the table is not something that just anyone can do. Even though he plays just 15-20 minutes per game, Baddley brings a ton of energy and shooting off the bench. Yes, some fans remain skeptical of Baddley’s 3-point shooting but his form is consistent even if a bit unorthodox. In addition, he boasts above-average athleticism and the instincts to be a sound defender when on the court.

In regards to his role this season, Baddley should once again play a significant role. It may be hard for him to increase his overall workload considering the rest of the roster construction but it is not out of the equation. Regardless of this, Baddley should be a highly-impactful role player while on the floor. In summary, he is a two-way player who can stretch the floor offensively and lock down opposing wings thanks to his size and athleticism.

There are, of course, facets of the game in which Baddley can still improve but he is already a more-than-adequate role player for the Bulldogs. With another offseason under his belt, the junior Baddley could continue to fly under-the-radar this season as a strong reserve contributor. Tucker and McDermott are clearly getting the most press but the wing depth represented by Baddley and sophomore Christian David is what raises Butler’s ceiling.