Butler Basketball: Setting 2019 offseason priorities for the Dawgs

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 06: Head coach LaVall Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs reacts in the second half of a game against the Xavier Musketeers at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Xavier defeated Butler 98-93 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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EUGENE, OR – NOVEMBER 17: Pritchard of Oregon drives on Smits. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Determine roles for newcomers.

One of the most important tasks for Butler’s coaching staff this offseason will be incorporating four newcomers into the rotation. After having to wave goodbye to three major rotation members in Fowler/Brunk/Jorgensen this offseason, there are plenty of minutes that need to be replaced and it is vital that every member of the 2019-20 roster is ready to fill their respective role. In order for that to occur, though, the transfers and freshmen will need to quickly assimilate into their positions.

Starting with the incoming freshmen, it seems likely that Khalif Battle (No. 92) will immediately take on a reserve role in the backcourt while John-Michael Mulloy (No. 305) has been discussed by many as a potential redshirt candidate. As a brief overview, Battle is viewed as a highly-athletic and aggressive shooting guard with a smooth perimeter jumper to go with a high defensive ceiling. Mulloy, on the other hand, is an underrated big man who “does the little things” extremely well to make his team better.

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With regards to the transfer market, the coaching staff added two frontcourt pieces that look poised for big minutes in their first campaigns with Butler. Bryce Nze, the first of these transfers, sat out this past season due to NCAA rules but could easily start from Day 1 at either power forward or center. Originally a member of the Milwaukee Panthers, he will be of junior status this season and is known as a physical shot-blocker and rebounder – two areas where Butler definitely needed improvement in 2018-19.

Contrastly, Derrik Smits is coming in as a graduate transfer from Valparaiso, making him immediately eligible. At 7-foot-2, he brings plenty of size to the table and should see 15-20 minutes per game as either a starter or reserve at the center spot. Although he fouls a lot to counteract this, Smits did exhibit a relatively high block rate last season and has shown the ability to score in the post with some consistency as well.