NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Florida, Baylor propel upwards

Butler only played one game during this past week and, while it was the team’s most lackluster performance of the season to date, they came away with an 18-point victory over Morehead State. Kamar Baldwin and Bryce Nze led the way for the squad with their all-around contributions but the defense once again took center stage. It appears as though the Dawgs are incredibly disciplined on both ends of the floor and that has resulted in the squad landing in the top-30 in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency.

Even though Butler’s current strength of schedule is quite weak, the team has earned a spot in the rankings for its sheer dominance to open the season. The Dawgs have already risen 11 spots in KenPom to hold the No. 22 overall slot in the country. With the Hall of Fame Classic approaching this week, though, we are about to learn just how good this team is. Does Butler belong in the national top-25, or are they just a bubble team?

Baldwin will have a lot to say about that as the team heads to Kansas City this week. He is the best overall player in that field with a clutch gene that is hard for anyone else to match. Butler likes to slow the pace of games down and make opponents grind for buckets. Baldwin is the type of player that can devastate opponents with his well-timed steals and impressive isolation ability in the halfcourt. Watch for him to have a big week at the HoF Classic.

Butler’s impressive turnover rate numbers also warrant a mention this week. Through the first five games of the season, the Dawgs rank third in the nation in taking care of the ball (12.7% off. TO rate) and 84th in creating takeaways (22.%). They rarely make mistakes by virtue of a three-year starting backcourt and that will hopefully continue away from Hinkle Fieldhouse.