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Butler Basketball: Keys to success against New Orleans in 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: Sean McDermott #22 of the Butler Bulldogs dribbles the ball against Saddiq Bey #15 of the Villanova Wildcats in the first half at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: Sean McDermott #22 of the Butler Bulldogs dribbles the ball against Saddiq Bey #15 of the Villanova Wildcats in the first half at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/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) /

2. Dominate the paint.

Butler was one of the worst high-major teams in the country on the glass last season but that should change in a big way this time around. The addition of Bryce Nze alone is worth several boards per game and that is before discussing the potential emergence of aggressive sophomore Bryce Golden and the hopefully healthy return of Derrik Smits in the near future. To put it simply, Butler’s frontcourt is substantially improved for 2019-20 with regards to physicality and hustle on both ends of the floor. They might not be exceptionally gifted scorers, but these players fit the roster exceptionally well and all seem to understand their roles in the rotation.

With regard to this matchup with New Orleans, Butler could absolutely dominate on the boards. Although the Privateers were an elite offensive rebounding team last season (32.8%, 44th in the nation), they were abysmal on the defensive glass. New Orleans allowed opponents to secure offensive boards on 34.2% of missed shots, a mark that ranked 13th-worst in the country. This is definitely a byproduct of New Orleans’ system but it is likely that the team will not be as dominant on the offensive glass as their top two rebounders from a year ago both graduated.

The Privateers still return Damion Rosser and Gerrale Gates as strong glass-cleaners while adding Jaylen Key (NIU transfer) to the mix, but definitely lack size. Key (6-foot-8) and rising sophomore Amari Haynes (6-foot-9) are the only two proven rotation pieces that stand at over 6-foot-7. It wouldn’t be a total shock, though, if 7-foot-3 sophomore Bol Riek cracked the rotation as a glass-cleaner after only playing seven games last season due to injury. Jahmel Myers is also a strong rising sophomore who rebounds at a high rate.

Considering New Orleans’ scheme, it is reasonable to think that Butler will dominate on the offensive glass. Bryce Nze and Bryce Golden do an exceptional job fighting for boards and put-backs inside and their high-motors will be hard for the Privateers to stop underneath. Additionally, though, the Dawgs exhibit more size across the board and boast more athleticism than one of the Southland opponents that the Privateers haven beaten up on the offensive glass in the past. Butler’s frontcourt will not be pushed around or jumped over. As a result, it is possible the Dawgs excel with regards to offensive rebounding while neutralizing the Privateers’ ability to find second-chance opportunities.

Additionally, though, New Orleans’ entire offense runs through the paint. The Privateers return just one player who shot over 31% from three last season and they also exhibited the sixth-lowest 3PAr in the country. This team likes to pound the ball inside with aggressive driving and dishing to their bigs. Even though UNO does not boast a ton of size, this particular style of play is a major reason for their strong offensive rebounding.

New Orleans’ has ranked extremely poorly on the offensive end of the floor in recent years and essentially the only key to shutting them down is locking down the paint. If Bryce Nze and Bryce Golden protect the rim and Butler’s guards stay in front of their men, the Privateers will have a very difficult time scoring. Butler has showcased strong defensive abilities and discipline in their three games (two exhibitions) so far and that should continue in this one if the roster regains some health.

The other major key in quieting New Orleans’ offense will be limiting transition opportunities. The Privateers force a lot of turnovers on the perimeter and they can avoid their dismal halfcourt offense by getting out and running the fast-break. UNO is full of capable athletes and they can be very dangerous when creating mistakes and finishing in transition. I will dive a bit more into this facet of the game in a little bit as another key for Butler.