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

2. Value each possession.

Butler’s ball movement was perhaps the most impressive part of their exhibition performances. The Dawgs effectively ran halfcourt sets and looked decisive as passers throughout nearly all 80 minutes in the preseason and that should carry over into the regular season. This is especially true with the additions of Bryce Nze and Christian David to the starting lineup as the two physical forwards are tremendous playmakers for their positions. They might not score a ton but do all of the little things offensively when it comes to screening, making post feeds, or finding open cutters.

With that said, though, Butler turned the ball over 32 total times in those two matchups. With a difficult non-conference schedule approaching, that needs to be remedied in the immediate future. This season-opening matchup with IUPUI is a great tune-up opportunity to fix some of those errors moving forward. Even though I am not overly concerned with Butler’s turnover rate from the exhibitions (because very few of them were because of sloppy play), but it is worth mentioning as an area for improvement.

Star senior guard Kamar Baldwin is likely the player to watch regarding potential turnovers during this game. While Baldwin showcased a different attacking mindset during the exhibitions with his willingness to pass and play off the ball, he also turned the ball over six total times. He is Butler’s most important and most ball-dominant player and will therefore need to clean up some of his mistakes.

Still, KB has proven throughout his career that he is capable of working through any difficulties and coming out as the better player. He is 100% healthy for the first time in a while and could be on the verge of a special season, especially with the trust he showed in his teammates during the preseason.

Turnovers, though, are a team-oriented issue. In order to avoid silly mistakes, the entire rotation needs to be in sync. There were definitely more positives to take away from Butler’s ball movement than negatives in the preseason but there are still some things that can be cleaned up – as there always will be this early in the season.

IUPUI forced turnovers on 19.6% of their defensive possessions last season, a mark that ranked 100th in the nation. Losing the likes of Hall and McCall as strong defenders will hurt them in this category but Butler will still need to be careful with each possession.