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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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 06: McDermott #22 and Jorgensen #5 of the Butler Bulldogs celebrate (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 06: McDermott #22 and Jorgensen #5 of the Butler Bulldogs celebrate (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

More consistent scorers emerge

While it seems likely that Butler will be able to count on Baldwin for strong scoring numbers this season, at least a couple of guys will need to step up to help the team win games. Quite simply, Baldwin cannot drop 25+ every night. He needs help. Thankfully, though, there are a few strong candidates in regards to players who should be able to step up as potential double-digit scorers per game this season.

At the forefront of this group should be Paul Jorgensen. While many have speculated about which Dawgs will experience breakout seasons this year, Jorgensen has been a bit of a forgotten man this offseason. Yet, he is the second-leading returning scorer (behind Baldwin) after averaging 10.2 points per game a year ago. An extremely important part of Butler’s rotation, Jorgensen can seemingly always be counted on as an offensive leader.

light. Related Story. What can Butler expect out of senior Jorgensen?

A confident shooter, Paulie has no hesitation when it comes to letting shots fly from well beyond the 3-point arc. Even though he might not be the most efficient shooter overall (34.9% from deep last season), he is a capable scorer at all three levels and could average double-figures per game again this year. Additionally, “Prince Harry of Harlem” takes care of the ball better than just about anyone. Over the course of last season, he averaged 2.5 assists to just 0.9 turnovers per game.

Furthermore, two true wings stand out as potentially strong scorers: junior Sean McDermott and sophomore Jordan Tucker. In regards to McDermott, he is returning after an incredibly efficient campaign in which he averaged 7.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game on .679/.431/.818 (2P/3P/FT). Now with more responsibility this season, the expectation is that McD will average in double-figures per game on slightly less efficiency.

Related Story. Why Sean McDermott is poised for a breakout season. light

As far as Tucker goes, there are far more question marks. He only played 11 total minutes last season with Duke before electing to transfer but he is a former top-100 recruit from the 2017 class. It will be intriguing to see just what kind of impact he makes once he starts suiting up in December.

Lastly, big man Nate Fowler is flying under-the-radar as a potential double-digit scorer. Now the full-time starter at center, the versatile Fowler can score around the basket or stretch the floor out to 3-point range. He might not be a focal point of the offense but could hover near 10 points per game.