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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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3. Get Tucker and Battle involved.

Assuming Baldwin and McDermott are ready to be the top scoring options in Butler’s starting lineup, it will be important to pinpoint the go-to offensive threat in the second unit. Above all others, junior Jordan Tucker and freshman Khalif Battle are the most-likely pieces to handle that role as they are confident, self-creating three-level scorers. They both ooze star potential on the offensive end and tapping into that could be key for Butler to avoid long scoring droughts this season. These two, along with Baldwin, are essentially the only players on the roster that can consistently create open looks for themselves without needing a set play.

Baldwin looked like his usual stellar self in Butler’s exhibitions but Tucker and Battle struggled. For Tucker, it appeared as though he suffered from an inconsistent motor in the preseason. He had stretches where he rebounded well and was aggressive on the offensive end, but also committed a bunch of fouls and simply could find a rhythm. He shot just 3-for-12 from the field in the exhibitions across 28 total minutes (six fouls).

Many expected that Tucker would be the secondary offensive threat for the Dawgs this season and the team will need him to snap out of his funk. He didn’t seem to gel that well with the rest of the rotation while on the court but maybe he just needs some time to grow accustomed to the contributions expected out of him in perhaps an unexpected bench role.

Battle, on the other hand, showed flashes of brilliance but clearly experienced some of the jitters of being a first-year college player. He was a bit out of control on occasion and turned the ball over quite often. His potential, though, was impossible to miss and it appeared as though he started to gain confidence after receiving some extended run in the second half of Butler’s blowout of UIndy.

Battle might just be a freshman, but he looks poised to play a significant reserve role this season. With regard to this particular matchup against IUPUI, Battle should see 15+ minutes as this is an opportunity for him to get more playing time under his belt prior to the true start of Butler’s gauntlet schedule.

The Dawgs will not need Tucker or Battle to be spectacular to beat IUPUI (I would hope not at least), but they will be integral parts of the rotation moving forward. Butler will need their strong scoring abilities against the likes of Ole Miss, Baylor, Florida, and Purdue later in the non-conference schedule. This matchup could be a great opportunity to give both players a chance to increase their confidence levels with regards to their individual games and how they fit in the scheme this year.