Busting Brackets
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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) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: Coach Jordan of the Bulldogs looks on. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: Coach Jordan of the Bulldogs looks on. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Bigs

Bryce Nze (JR): 10.3 ppg (.576/.276/.481), 8.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg at Milwaukee in 2017-18

After sitting out this past season due to transfer rules, Bryce Nze looks poised to take on a major role for Butler. With his 6-foot-7 frame, Nze is typically regarded as a forward but there is plenty of potential for him to play as a small-ball center. This is due to the fact that he is quite athletic, extremely well-built, and a great rebounder. He also more than holds his own in the paint defensively as he swatted 1.5 shots per game as a sophomore at Milwaukee. Nze is clearly taking a major leap in competition from the Horizon League to the Big East but he is a physical player with skills that should translate.

Nze has the potential to be one of the best “glue guys” in the country. He is not a go-to scorer but he will collect buckets as a result of his hustle for second-chance opportunities. He is also a smart player, sets solid screens, and defends at a high level. With an entire sit-out season under his belt with most of these teammates, Nze should be an immediate contributor and potential starter from Day 1 this season.

Derrik Smits (SR): 12.2 ppg (.597/.000/.613), 5.7 rpg, 1.0 bpg at Valparaiso

Following the departures of Nate Fowler (graduation) and Joey Brunk (transfer) this offseason, Butler was in need of adding another big man. Thankfully, the coaching staff was able to do just that by snagging in-state graduate transfer Derrik Smits. At 7-foot-1, he is easily the tallest player on the team and is also coming off a strong season at Valparaiso. Although not a tremendous defender, Smits uses his size relatively well to alter shots. He will need to work on limiting his fouling, though.

On the offensive end of the floor, Smits has a variety of scoring moves around the basket while also showing some touch out to mid-range. He forces the issue a bit too much but should be a solid role player for the Dawgs at the very least. Butler needed size this offseason and Smits brings plenty of that. He should compete for a starting spot and will find his fair share of playing time.

Bryce Golden (SO): 1.7 ppg (.522/.000/1.00), 0.7 rpg, 0.1 spg

After missing the first half of last season due to injury, Bryce Golden played sparingly once healthy. In that playing time, he showed some flashes of being a solid player but it would be a mistake to make too many assumptions about his 89 total minutes. As a 6-foot-9, 245-pound versatile forward, I have high hopes for Golden as a contributor during this season and beyond. He has a smooth stroke from distance, can finish around and above the rim, and brings plenty of size to the table. There is room for him to develop, especially defensively, but I think he will push for more playing time throughout this season.

Golden should be completely healthy from the jump this season and he could emerge as a major contributor at the center position. Considering both of Butler’s starting guards are at their best when attacking the basket, Golden’s floor-spacing abilities could be vital to success. He will, though, need to show that he can be a solid defender. I wouldn’t be shocked if we saw some minutes of Nze/Golden in the frontcourt together.

John-Michael Mulloy (FR): Ranked as the No. 308 overall recruit.

Although not a highly-ranked player, John-Michael Mulloy is a local product with a solid future. He is not an elite athlete but Mulloy is relatively polished and simply understands how to help his team win. He is a solid finisher around the rim, can stretch the floor with some consistency, and is an excellent playmaker (ball handling + passing) for a big man. The issues with his game seem to mostly center around the fact that he needs to add muscle. Mulloy is currently listed at 6-foot-10 and 225 pounds. With some extra muscle mass, he should improve as a post scorer, interior defender, and rebounder.

Due to the lack of an immediate role available in the frontcourt, Mulloy projects as a potential redshirt big this season. That will give him a year to work with Butler’s strength and conditioning coach while improving his all-around game in practice as well.