Busting Brackets
Fansided

Butler Basketball: 3 keys to success against Ole Miss in 2018-19

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: Thompson #2 of the Butler Bulldogs passes the ball. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: Thompson #2 of the Butler Bulldogs passes the ball. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

1. Take care of the ball

Through two games of this young Butler basketball season, the backcourt for the team has struggled a bit with turnovers. Most notably, star player Kamar Baldwin, while improving his overall ball distribution, has committed far more turnovers per game so far this season compared to last year. For reference, Baldwin committed five or more turnovers in just two total contests during his first two collegiate seasons and he has done that in both of the first two games this season.

And while obviously this sample size is incredibly small, this has not been a great start for Baldwin in terms of limiting turnovers. This can, though, be attributed to the heavier emphasis that Coach Jordan is placing on creation from his guards this season, especially from Baldwin. And because he is still growing as a playmaking guard, the hope is that his turnover rate will decrease soon.

It is also important to mention that it may take some time for Baldwin to become completely comfortable in his new role as the offensive star for the Dawgs this season. In the offseason, many expected that Baldwin would struggle with his scoring while growing accustomed to this role. Yet, considering he is averaging 23.5 points per game on 58.1% shooting through two games, it seems like that will not be a problem.

So far, the only problem with Baldwin (23.5 ppg/6.0 rpg/6.0 apg) has concerned his high turnover numbers, which are bound to decrease over time based on his play over the past two years. And with more difficult competition approaching, ball security will not only be a priority in this game but moving forward as well. No better time to start than now.