Butler Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Bulldogs

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 20: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs dribbles the ball while being guarded by Brendan Bailey #1 of the Marquette Golden Eagles in the first half at the Fiserv Forum on February 20, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 02: Baldwin of the Bulldogs drives. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Projected starting shooting guard

Guard. Senior. Kamar Baldwin. player. Pick Analysis. 472. Full Breakdown. 3

Kamar Baldwin is the unquestioned leader of this squad. An elite two-way guard with the ability to take over a game on either end, Baldwin is well-known as one of the best players in the entire nation. Even though he was unable to carry Butler to the NCAA Tournament a year ago, he looks poised to take the next step with his leadership this time around. Baldwin is fresh off averaging 17.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game last year and was recently named to the preseason All-Big East First Team.

Baldwin is arguably the third-best player in the conference and will look to prove that while pushing the Dawgs to exceed low preseason expectations. In order for Baldwin to post a strong campaign in 2019-20, he needs help. He was simply asked to do too much last season and forced the issue as a result.

If talented scorers such as Tucker, McDermott, Battle, and/or Smits prove to be consistent offensive options, Baldwin will be able to defer some possessions to them. This would help him not only improve his efficiency and shot-selection but also conserve energy to return to being an elite-level defender. Even though Baldwin posted strong all-around numbers last season, his effectiveness dipped a bit on both ends of the floor as a result of having to carry a monstrous load.

Additionally, his leadership will be key to success. McDermott, Battle, and Tucker all mentioned at Butler’s preseason media day how vocal KB has been in early practices and that will hopefully carry into this season. Baldwin’s trust in his teammates will be crucial on both ends of the floor.

In addition to his leadership helping the squad this season, Baldwin could also prove to be a vital role model for incoming freshman Khalif Battle. Baldwin is the consummate professional and sets a great example of how to represent the school and work hard on the court as well.

He epitomizes “The Butler Way” and will go down as a program great regardless of this season’s outcome. With that said, though, you can see the hunger in Baldwin’s eyes as he looks towards taking the Dawgs back to the NCAA Tournament in his final campaign.