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Butler Basketball: Previewing grad transfer Derrik Smits in 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

LEXINGTON, KY - MARCH 21: Butler Blue III, mascot for the Butler Bulldogs, performs in the second half against the Bucknell Bison during the second round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Rupp Arena on March 21, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. Butler won 68-56. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - MARCH 21: Butler Blue III, mascot for the Butler Bulldogs, performs in the second half against the Bucknell Bison during the second round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Rupp Arena on March 21, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. Butler won 68-56. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – MARCH 16: The Butler Bulldogs mascot performs. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – MARCH 16: The Butler Bulldogs mascot performs. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Butler basketball lacked consistent frontcourt production last season. How will incoming grad transfer Derrik Smits make an impact in 2019-20?

Butler Basketball missed the NCAA Tournament during this past season but the coaching staff made some significant additions this offseason in hopes of a stronger campaign. Right near the top of the list of impact newcomers is Derrik Smits, a graduate transfer center from Valparaiso. Even though Smits is a known-commodity and will not be a star during his final collegiate season, he fits an obvious need on Butler’s roster following the departures of Nate Fowler (graduation) and Joey Brunk (transfer). Smits brings experience, size, and could have a two-way impact on the team that will be much-needed.

Over the course of last season, Butler severely lacked consistent production out of the center spot. Neither Fowler nor Brunk emerged as a reliable scoring option last season and they both lacked the toughness to be strong interior defenders or rebounders. For the season, the duo combined to average 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.4 blocks across 37.1 minutes per game. Of the 141 players over 6-foot-9 that played >40% of their total possible minutes last season, Fowler (#133) and Brunk (#136) both ranked in the bottom 6% in block rate. That is simply not enough production at the “5” spot, especially with regards to rebounding and rim-protecting.

Of course, they had their moments but Smits should be an upgrade at the center position and the Dawgs will need him to be. Although Bryce Nze is entering the fray and Bryce Golden is returning for his sophomore season, Smits looks poised to land the starting center spot this season and he should received plenty of playing time. While functioning as a main piece inside for Valpo last season, the 7-foot-2 big man averaged 12.2 points (59.4% FG), 5.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game.

Smits might not be a star but he could be exactly what Butler needs to fill major minutes in the paint this season. With the 2019-20 season approaching, let’s take a deeper dive in Smits’ game and see how he might emerge as a major piece for the Dawgs.

This is the first part of an offseason series that will involve breaking down each member of the Butler basketball roster for this coming season. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.