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Butler Basketball: What to watch for against Presbyterian

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 15: Butler Bulldogs players react from the bench against the Indiana Hoosiers in the second half of the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 15, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Indiana won 71-68. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 15: Butler Bulldogs players react from the bench against the Indiana Hoosiers in the second half of the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 15, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Indiana won 71-68. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: Thompson #2 of the Butler Bulldogs passes. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: Thompson #2 of the Butler Bulldogs passes. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

1. More of Aaron Thompson leading the offense

Aaron Thompson‘s play during the opening month of this season has somehow flown under-the-radar. Aside from one poor game against Dayton, the sophomore guard has been absolutely superb compared to expectations on the offensive end. He is creating for others, picking his spots to score, and has clearly taken massive steps with regards to his shooting (both in terms of confidence and success rate). He might not be a high-volume scorer but he has been highly efficient with the ball in his hands.

To this point in the year, the young point guard is averaging 6.0 points and 4.3 assists (to 1.8 turnovers) per game while shooting 61.0% from the field. He has also already doubled his made 3-pointers from last season as well by starting the year 4-for-7 from distance. AT has simply improved in every facet of the game and his presence on the court should not be understated. The Dawgs are just better when he is playing and that much is evident.

Additionally, Kamar Baldwin, who has struggled greatly to start the season, is at his best when allowed to play off the ball. Having said this, it might be in Butler’s interest to give Thompson the reins offensively and let Baldwin find his shots within the offense rather than working in isolation.