Butler Basketball: Keys to success against Miami (OH) in 2018-19

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Head coach LaVall Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs reacts during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

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

Hit perimeter jumpers consistently

Even though Butler struggled from distance in their two exhibition games (15-for-53, 28.3%), perimeter shooting could emerge as a strength for the team this year. And even though there might not be many “elite” shooters on the team, this strength is based on the shooting depth of the roster. Quite simply, Butler’s floor spacing should be tremendous this season due to the idea that every member of the rotation can be a legitimate threat from beyond the arc.

Most notably, wings Paul Jorgensen and Sean McDermott are extremely dangerous shooters when given even an inch of separation. Jorgensen, a fifth-year senior, may have only shot 34.9% from distance a year ago but he is without a doubt someone defenses always need to take note of. A New York native, “Prince Harry of Harlem” seemingly has range that extends from Hinkle’s 3-point line all the way to the Hudson River.

McDermott, on the other hand, might not be as flashy but he was extremely efficient as a shooter last season. Heralded as one of the biggest breakout candidates in the country by many this offseason, the 6-foot-6 sniper from Pendleton Heights shot 43.1% from distance last season. Now a junior, McDermott will look for his shot more this season and could emerge as a go-to scorer for the Bulldogs.

Over the course of this season, Butler will rely on Jorgensen and McDermott to consistently knock down threes. Additionally, though, star guard Kamar Baldwin is no slouch from beyond the arc and Nate Fowler can really stretch the floor for a 6-foot-10 big man. And this goes without mentioning the underrated 3-and-D rising star that is Henry Baddley.

In short, Butler has plenty of shooters on this roster and they will look to get off to a hot start from deep in this one. If they do, the crowd in Hinkle will be rocking early and the momentum will be on the Dawgs’ side.