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Butler Basketball: Takeaways from home win over St. John’s

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 05: Sean McDermott #22 of the Butler Bulldogs in action in the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 05, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 05: Sean McDermott #22 of the Butler Bulldogs in action in the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 05, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 05: Thompson looks on. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 05: Thompson looks on. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

2. Aaron Thompson is evolving.

Junior point guard Aaron Thompson has been one of Butler’s most vocal leaders on both ends of the floor throughout this season. An elite on-ball defender that makes everyone around him better, Thompson was recently named one of the 10 finalists for the National Defensive Player of the Year award this season.

Additionally, he is the engine that drives Butler’s offense with his constant probing and excellent playmaking skills. The impact he has on the court is impossible to ignore and has become obvious when he has been forced to miss time with injury on occasion this season.

With the postseason quickly approaching, many will say that “the Dawgs will go as far as Kamar Baldwin will take them.” While this is certainly true to an extent, Thompson is starting to truly evolve in front of our eyes at this moment and that is a game-changer for the team.

Although not a 3-point threat, the junior leader is asserting himself on the offensive end by aggressively attacking the basket at every opportunity and actually looking to score rather than simply find an open man. This latter point is extremely important as AT can be far more dynamic when finishing at the rim or drawing contact/fouls.

Butler made big runs in each of its past two games against DePaul and St. John’s when Thompson decided it was his time to attack. He might not post jaw-dropping numbers but he has taken center-stage for long stretches by either finishing himself or drawing enough attention inside to find an open 3-point shooter. That also goes without mentioning his superb defensive contributions.

If Aaron Thompson continues to stay healthy and perform at this level, Butler will be tough to beat.