Busting Brackets
Fansided

Butler Basketball: Analyzing the 2019-20 roster and projected rotation

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Butler’s Baldwin (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Butler’s Baldwin (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Guards

Aaron Thompson (JR): 6.3 ppg (.532/.333/.623), 2.0 rpg, 4.3 apg

Now entering his third season as the lead guard for Butler, many are expecting that this will be the campaign where Aaron Thompson takes the next step. He is already a lockdown defender at the point guard position but has struggled to succeed offensively as a result of playing off the ball a bit too much. Hopefully, during this coming campaign, he is given the keys to the offense as the primary initiator and this would allow the entire team to play to its strengths.

Thompson is at his best when probing the inside, finishing around the rim, and creating for others. His teammates also succeed at a high level in catch-and-shoot situations. AT could also put together a stronger campaign if he once again shows improvement as a shooter. If he is able to attempt more 3-pointers and improve as a free throw shooter, that should take his game to the next level. Thompson might never be a star but he could emerge as one of the assists leaders in the Big East this season.

Kamar Baldwin (SR): 17.0 ppg (.447/.311/.850), 4.9 rpg, 3.1 apg

Kamar Baldwin is the engine that drives this team. Entering his fourth year as a starter for the program, it is no secret that he will at the top of the scouting report again this season. An elite combo guard among the best players in the entire country, Baldwin could be in for a monster season. Throughout 2018-19, he struggled with needing to carry too much of the weight. That should hopefully change with the offseason development of his supporting cast. He is a threat to score at all three levels, a developing playmaker, and a great rebounder for his position.

Baldwin’s defense slipped a bit last season as a result of needing to shoulder so much of the offensive burden, but his elite lockdown qualities may resurface as a senior. Butler’s improvement on the defensive end will be what defines the team this season and Baldwin will need to lead by example. This is his team and it is his last year to guide the Bulldogs back to the NCAA Tournament. He can’t do it all by himself, but he will be the driving force on both ends of the floor.

Campbell Donovan (WO-JR): 0.5 ppg (.333/.333/1.00), 0.1 rpg, 0.1 apg

A fan-favorite walk-on, Campbell Donovan has seen some late-game minutes in blowout games to this point in his career. Also, considering the returns of Thompson and Baldwin, it seems as though that role will continue for him. Regardless, he should remain one of the crowd favorites when on the court. If he is thrust into the main rotation as a result of injuries or a major breakout offseason, Donovan is a solid shooter, both from distance and the charity stripe, but is undersized at just 5-foot-11.