Busting Brackets
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Butler Basketball: 5 keys for a successful 2018-19 campaign

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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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Baldwin (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Baldwin (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Baldwin finds consistency as the star

Kamar Baldwin is going to be the leader on both ends of the floor this season for Butler. Clearly one of the best two-way guards not only in the Big East but in the nation, the 6-foot-1 star looks poised for a huge year as the focal point of the team. Already well-known for his defensive tenacity and balanced offensive game, Baldwin’s potential to be the superstar leader of the team this year relies on how he adapts to his new role.

While Baldwin clearly played a major role for the Dawgs last season (25.6% usage rate), he was still the second-fiddle offensively to Kelan Martin. This was a major step up in role from his freshman season (20.4% usage rate) and it was clear that it took him some time to adjust to this change:

Non-conference play (13 games): 12.9 ppg (.410/.288/.714), 4.5 rpg, and 2.8 apg

Big East play (18 games): 16.6 ppg (.453/.361/.788), 5.2 rpg, and 3.4 apg

Tournament play (4 games): 20.5 ppg (.485/.353/.800), 5.0 rpg, and 3.3 apg

As we enter this upcoming season, Baldwin will need to immediately step into his new role with confidence. He will need to be the steadying force all season this year and taking control of the offense from Day 1 could play a major role down the road. Of course, it will be up to his supporting cast to take some weight off of his shoulders but his play early on could dictate how successful the Bulldogs are in non-conference play.

And considering a down year is anticipated from the Big East, a strong non-conference performance could come back to be vital in March.