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Butler Basketball: Keys to success against IUPUI in 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs dribbles the ball around Terence Davis #3 of the Mississippi Rebels at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs dribbles the ball around Terence Davis #3 of the Mississippi Rebels at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/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) /

1. Dominate the paint defensively.

Frontcourt play on both ends of the floor was clearly Butler’s biggest weakness last season. Neither Nate Fowler nor Joey Brunk proved to be a capable rebounder or rim-protector while both also struggled to be consistent offensive threats. Add in the fact that the team lacked anyone who could actually play the “4” spot and it is easy to see why the team struggled last season. Heading into this campaign, though, it certainly feels as though Coach Jordan added a significant amount of toughness inside.

Most notably, Bryce Nze is an absolutely perfect fit for this roster. The undersized 6-foot-7 forward is an absolute monster on the glass and brings a ton of physicality to the court. He runs the floor well, boasts underrated athleticism, and does all the little things well as a big man. This much was evident during Butler’s two exhibition games and should carry over into the regular season. IUPUI is likely to start 6-foot-7 Elyjah Goss and 6-foot-8 Jakoby Kemp in the frontcourt this season and Nze will be the best rebounder on the floor. I smell a double-double from the junior transfer.

Additionally, Derrik Smits will likely come off the bench as easily the tallest player on the court. The 7-foot-1 graduate transfer from Valparaiso definitely struggled in Butler’s exhibition games but he already has three years of mid-major play under his belt so everyone should know that he is a capable rotation piece. He might struggle defensively against IUPUI’s small-ball lineup but could showcase his skill in the post as a finisher and passer while also rebounding at a high level on both ends.

Those are the two players that I believe will be most important to Butler’s potential dominance in the paint against the Jaguars but they are not the only players worth mentioning. With Christian David presumably starting at the “4”, his play will be crucial as well. It will be intriguing to watch his defensive play as he adjusts to making plays on the perimeter and in the paint. Monitoring his activity on the glass will also be especially important for the rest of the season.

Furthermore, it is reasonable to assume that sophomore Bryce Golden will see his fair share of playing time as an athletic and versatile big man. He plays with a great motor and could potentially dominate his matchup off the bench in this meeting.

Lastly, both Kamar Baldwin and Jordan Tucker are exceptional rebounders for their positions. Watch for them to clean the glass a bit while the bigs expertly box out.