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Butler Basketball: Previewing Markeese Hastings’ impact for 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 10: Head coach Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs looks on against the Villanova Wildcats at the Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 10: Head coach Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs looks on against the Villanova Wildcats at the Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Coach Jordan of the Bulldogs reacts. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Coach Jordan of the Bulldogs reacts. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

On the defensive end…

With his athleticism, physicality, and elite-level motor, it is reasonable to assume that Markeese Hastings will be a positive defensive player right away. He can cover multiple positions while on the floor and this versatility will make him a more viable option for minutes this season. Butler’s defense was a major weakness last season but that should significantly improve with the additions of Derrik Smits and Bryce Nze in the frontcourt. If the Dawgs continue to struggle defensively this year, we could see Hastings join the rotation.

Hastings will arguably be the best defending small forward on the roster this season. He still has a long way to go with regards to his offensive game but he could see spot minutes based on particular matchups this year. Jordan Tucker and Sean McDermott are way ahead of him on the depth chart at the “3” this year, but neither is recognized as a great defender. It might also be important to mention that Hastings might be up to slide up and find some playing time at the power forward slot in a small-ball lineup.

With a year of experience in the Butler program, Hastings should understand the defensive scheme and be able to make an impact. It is hard to say exactly what kind of role he will see this season due to his lack of offensive polish, but he should be a solid defensive contributor if forced into playing time. Hastings can defend on the perimeter or in the paint and does an exceptional job on the glass. He understands the fundamentals of finding a body on missed shots and uses his physical gifts and motor to seek out loose balls.

At the very least, Hastings should be a high-energy player on defense and on the glass if he sees the floor.