Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: 11 high-major teams exceeding expectations so far

By Lukas Harkins

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 13: Ohio State Buckeyes players celebrate with fans after the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Value City Arena on November 13, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Villanova 76-51. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 13: Ohio State Buckeyes players celebrate with fans after the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Value City Arena on November 13, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Villanova 76-51. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 20: Thompson of the Bulldogs dribbles. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 20: Thompson of the Bulldogs dribbles. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Butler Bulldogs

KenPom Rankings Movement: No. 33 -> No. 22

Efficiency Margin Change: +1.81

Butler was picked to finish just eighth in the Big East this offseason but still managed to land the No. 33 spot in KenPom’s preseason rankings. Many were surprised by the Dawgs being projected so highly but the return of players such as Kamar Baldwin and Sean McDermott explained the possibility. Through the first two weeks of the season, Butler has not only lived up to those higher computer expectations but actually exceeded them. Baldwin is playing at an All-Big East level as many expected while incoming transfer Bryce Nze has emerged as an underrated star for the squad with his physicality and motor underneath.

The Dawgs currently sit at 4-0 with a pair of solid victories over top-150 teams in Wofford and Minnesota. While the team is yet to travel outside of the friendly confines of Hinkle Fieldhouse, it is impossible to ignore that they are in complete control of their games while jumping out to early leads and remaining poised with an experienced backcourt. Butler has trailed for only 3.3% of their total minutes played so far this season as they have dictated just about every second of action. The Dawgs are also showcasing the ability to win with either their offense (No. 25 AdjO) or defense (No. 36 AdjD).

Butler might play at an exceptionally slow pace but they are extremely disciplined and working as a team. The Dawgs are still playing without graduate transfer big man Derrik Smits (a potential starter) and have dealt with a handful of other injuries/illnesses as well. Butler has a daunting non-conference schedule remaining but they might be able to scrape out more wins than many previously thought. The Dawgs now sit at No. 22 overall in the KenPom rankings.

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