Butler Basketball: Analyzing the newest Bulldogs heading into 2018-19

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Head coach LaVall Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs looks on against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half of the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 14: The Butler Bulldogs mascot walks on the court. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Bryce Nze

Forward | 6-foot-7 | 225 lbs | Transfer from Milwaukee

After spending the last two seasons with the Milwaukee Panthers, Bryce Nze elected to transfer this offseason. Now reunited with his former coach in LaVall Jordan, Nze projects as a major contributor to the Butler frontcourt in the future. Although he does have two years of eligibility remaining, Nze will have to sit out this upcoming season due to transfer rules. Regardless of this, though, Nze’s presence on the court during practices should be able to help the team as a whole.

Arguably Butler’s biggest weakness coming into this season will be rebounding. With Kelan Martin (6.3) and Tyler Wideman (5.1) graduating the offseason, the top returning rebounder for the Bulldogs this year is starting guard Kamar Baldwin (4.9). With this being said, the growth of centers Joey Brunk and Nate Fowler in terms of rebounding this year will play a pivotal role in Butler’s success.

This is where Nze’s presence at practice can help the team. At 6-foot-7, Nze might not be on the same height level as Brunk/Fowler, who are both over 6-foot-10, but he is an outstanding rebounder. Nze ranked 107th in the nation in both offensive and defensive rebounding percentage last season (KenPom) and grabbed 8.5 boards per game for the Panthers. Additionally, Nze is a strong shot-blocker (1.5 swats per game) and a capable scorer (10.5 points per game).

A year of growth within the program will certainly help Nze before he takes the floor in 2019-20 but it is clear that his skill set will push the current frontcourt in practice.