Busting Brackets
Fansided

Butler Basketball: Keys to success in vital road matchup with DePaul

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 19: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs has the ball knocked away by Eli Cain #11 of the DePaul Blue Demons at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 19, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 19: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs has the ball knocked away by Eli Cain #11 of the DePaul Blue Demons at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 19, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
MILWAUKEE, WI – MARCH 18: Baldwin
MILWAUKEE, WI – MARCH 18: Baldwin /

2. Attack the zone to create strong looks

Throughout the first two months of this season, DePaul head coach Dave Leitao has deployed many different defensive units, including a fairly strong zone. And considering how much Butler has struggled against zones so far this season, it is reasonable to assume that the Blue Demons’ will play zone defense against the Dawgs for at least part of this upcoming matchup. During those stretches, Butler will need to consistently attack in transition or find the holes in the zone in the halfcourt.

In my opinion, accomplishing this will be on the shoulders of Butler’s guards as well as its shooters. Kamar Baldwin and Aaron Thompson, who are two of the better playmakers in the Big East, will need to probe the DePaul defense and either knock down 10-footers themselves or find the open man on the perimeter. Additionally, those snipers not only need to be ready to shoot but also ready to attack overzealous closeouts. A quick pump-fake and dribble-drive could lead to a much better shot in the same possession as it would take DePaul out of position.

It is not likely that DePaul stays in their zone defense for the entire 40 minutes but Butler will need to be ready to attack when it is deployed. The Dawgs have struggled against zones so far this season so a strong performance against this one could not only result in a victory but also give the roster confidence in how to beat a zone. Additionally, if Butler moves the ball effectively over the course of the entire game, DePaul’s rotation, which features only seven players, may tire down the stretch.