Butler Basketball: What to watch for against Presbyterian

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

2. Increased plays for Sean McDermott

Heading into this season, many pegged Sean McDermott as the major breakout candidate for Butler basketball in the absence of Kelan Martin (graduation). And, through the first month of the senior, the junior wing has delivered with electric shooting from beyond the arc. While displaying his quick trigger and impressive confidence, McDermott has been given the ultimate green light from distance. He is currently tied for second among all Big East players in 3-pointers made (34) and is also shooting 44.7% on those trifectas.

With McDermott shooting this well, it makes sense that head coach LaVall Jordan would run more plays for him to get looks around the perimeter. This has seemingly been a point of emphasis for the team as of late as well considering McDermott has averaged 10 3PA per game over his last four contests. He is 18-for-40 (45.0%) during this stretch while averaging 16.0 points per game.

While Kamar Baldwin and Paul Jorgensen are likely to remain the primary scorers for this team due to their abilities to create for themselves, McDermott is someone who needs to stay active in the offense. If he can consistently knock down 3-5 trifectas per game as he has been doing, this really spreads out Butler’s offense. Furthermore, we might start to see more defenses cheat on screens for McDermott, which could potentially open up lanes for back-cut baskets around the rim.