Busting Brackets
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Butler Basketball: 3 keys to success against Dayton

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs dribbles the ball around Terence Davis #3 of the Mississippi Rebels at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs dribbles the ball around Terence Davis #3 of the Mississippi Rebels at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Butler’s Baldwin (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Butler’s Baldwin (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Utilize Kamar Baldwin in different ways

Kamar Baldwin is one of the nation’s brightest stars. Now the true go-to player for Butler basketball, Baldwin has shown early in this season why he is a preseason contender to win Big East Player of the Year. Even though the season is still very young, Baldwin has been absolutely superb in just about every facet of the game (except turnovers). Through three games, the star is averaging 23.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, all of which lead the team.

And for those that have not seen Baldwin play, his versatility as an all-around player is what makes him so special. Whenever necessary, the junior guard can knock down a 3-pointer, pull-up from mid-range, ambidextrously finish around the hoop, create for others, or simply lock down any opposing guard. Quite simply, he has the whole package when it comes to impacting every game in many different ways.

In this matchup, Butler will look to use Baldwin is many different ways offensively. Due to the fact that Dayton is a team that traditionally runs a man-to-man defense, Baldwin can be utilized to the peak of his abilities. Most notably, fans should get used to seeing Baldwin operate both in the pick-and-roll and in the post during this game.

As a primary ball handler at the point of attack, Baldwin is extremely dangerous in the pick-and-roll with Joey Brunk or Nate Fowler (among others). He reads defenses extremely well, can dump off passes to the bigs, and finishes well with either hand around the basket. Additionally, Baldwin added a ton of strength to his frame this offseason and can be a menace to defend as a post-up guard. In this situation, Baldwin can finish himself or easily kick out to one of Butler’s many 3-point threats if double-teamed.

If Baldwin is on his game (and that means limiting his turnovers as well), it is hard to imagine Butler falling to Dayton in this game.