Butler Basketball: Previewing Khalif Battle’s impact for 2019-20

Battle’s overall outlook

Khalif Battle has the potential to be one of the most impactful newcomers in the entire Big East. Not only is he extremely talented as a top-100 recruit but there is also a major positional need that he will be filling in Indianapolis. With Paul Jorgensen graduating after this past season, the Dawgs need someone to step up as a primary scoring option in the backcourt off the bench.

Henry Baddley will also snag some of the minutes left by Jorgensen but Battle has a much higher ceiling. At 6-foot-5 with plenty of athleticism and a smooth shot from distance, Battle projects as one of Butler’s most dangerous offensive threats this season. It might take some time for him to adjust to the college game but he is definitely ready to play right away. Battle is thirsty to prove himself as Butler’s star of the future.

With regard to this coming season, Battle is the “X-Factor” that could really push Butler to exceed expectations. If he emerges as a legitimate scoring option right away, the Dawgs will have a much more potent attack. He should also prove to be a solid defender as the team looks to return to strong overall levels on that end of the floor. Battle’s ceiling is perhaps the highest of anyone on the team moving forward and he will hopefully show more than just the occasional flash of his potential this year. Battle could be the difference between Butler making the NCAA Tournament and falling to the Big East basement.

Furthermore, his play this season could have a major impact on how fans view the state of the program moving forward. Head coach LaVall Jordan has a superb 2020 recruiting class currently committed and the hope is that Jordan Tucker and Khalif Battle will be proven stars by the time that group arrives in Indianapolis. The future looks bright through the windows of Hinkle Fieldhouse right now and Battle is one of the potential shining stars.

There are high expectations facing Battle but he is a confident individual with plenty of game. It is time for his era with the program to begin.

This was the eleventh 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.