3. Play through the frontcourt.
Butler’s frontcourt has showcased its incredible versatility through the first few weeks of the year. In addition to simply providing a ton more physicality compared to last year, Bryce Golden and Bryce Nze have flashed their playmaking abilities as well. They have dished the ball well out of the paint as well as at the top of the key. Considering the fact that Butler’s guards/wings excel while cutting to the basket and running around screens, it is a major luxury for Coach Jordan to be able to use his bigs as passers.
In addition to just the “Bryce Bros”, the return of Christian David from illness will also help in this department. Even though David missed Butler’s first two games of the season, he took the court against Minnesota following two impressive exhibition performances. David appears to be the most improved player on the Dawgs’ entire roster for this season as he is taking on a “motor-man” role for the team. He should be the ultimate glue guy for Butler while playing 20+ minutes per game either as a starter or key reserve.
With Nze, Golden, and David all taking the court, the Dawgs should be able to play through their frontcourt on the offensive end in this game. Butler exhibits far more size than Wofford and should dominate on the glass as long as they stay disciplined, as already mentioned. Their playmaking, though, opens up the entire offense especially when they can also be used as primary scorers due to their size advantage.
Nze is the most important player in this category because of his outstanding decision-making and scoring ability. He is a physical presence at 6-foot-7 with the ability to score in the post consistently against another undersized forward in Stumpe (or whoever else covers him). Additionally, he exhibits tremendous passing vision and ability that will come in handy if the Terriers choose to double him down low.