Busting Brackets
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Big East Basketball: Analyzing early 2019 recruiting classes

By Lukas Harkins

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 27: A Villanova Wildcats basketball goes through the net during warmups prior to the game against the Seton Hall Pirates at the Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 27: A Villanova Wildcats basketball goes through the net during warmups prior to the game against the Seton Hall Pirates at the Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 16: Coach Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 16: Coach Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

5. Butler Bulldogs

Butler might not be known as a strong recruiting program but head coach LaVall Jordan might be able to change that narrative. The second-year leader has not been at the helm for long but his ability to build relationships and use connections has already posted some solid results. This was evident when he was able to secure two commits from the 2018 class despite limited time on the recruiting trail. For the incoming class of 2019 for next season, Butler has filled up its available scholarships by landing Khalif Battle and John-Michael Mulloy.

One of the highest-rated recruits to ever commit to Butler, the excitement level surrounding Khalif Battle should be high. Ranked at No. 92 in the country, the 6-foot-5 guard has an all-around game that should make fans salivate. He can shoot it from deep, finish around the basket, and has a high defensive ceiling. As a member of Playaz Club (EYBL) this past summer, Battle averaged 13.4 points (.430/.407/.878), 3.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game across 17 contests. On the whole, he boasts plenty of explosive athleticism and it seems as though he will be an immediate impact player for the Dawgs. He will likely come off of the bench but his size allows him to play either the “2” or the “3”.

John-Michael Mulloy, on the other hand, is a much different player. A 6-foot-9 big man from Butler’s backyard (Carmel, IN), Mulloy might not be a “stat-sheet stuffer” but he gets it done when on the court. He is a solid defender, growing playmaker, and seems to always make his team better. Mulloy was not a featured member of Indy Heat (EYBL) over the summer but he still managed to average 4.6 points (.413/.111/.733), 5.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. With this said, though, he might not be an immediate impact player. He is ranked at just No. 288 in the class and could use another year (redshirt) to build up his body and grow accustomed to the speed/physicality of the Big East in practice.

Thankfully, the coaching staff will likely be able to redshirt Mulloy after landing a strong frontcourt transfer last offseason. Bryce Nze, who started his career with LaVall Jordan at Milwaukee, is sitting out this season and seems to be a perfect fit for the 2019-20 roster. A high energy forward who rebounds well and is aggressive on the defensive end, Nze should improve Butler’s all-around intensity and physicality levels. He averaged 10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game as a sophomore for the Panthers.

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