Busting Brackets
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Butler Basketball Recruiting: Class of 2021 Big Board

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 15: General view of the interior of Hinkle Fieldhouse seen during the Butler Bulldogs and Seton Hall Pirates game on January 15, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 15: General view of the interior of Hinkle Fieldhouse seen during the Butler Bulldogs and Seton Hall Pirates game on January 15, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 07: Butler Bulldogs mascot appears. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 07: Butler Bulldogs mascot appears. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Blake Wesley – South Bend, IN

SG | 6-foot-5 | 170 lbs | No. 90 by 247Sports Composite

Blake Wesley was one of the first players that Butler targeted in this class. The Dawgs issued him a scholarship offer all the way back in May 2019 and have remained engaged in a hot recruiting battle for the past year. A highly-regarded athletic shooting guard out of South Bend, Wesley has been a top priority for the high-major in-state programs.

Wesley mentioned in early March that Butler, Purdue, Notre Dame, and Indiana (along with Louisville) were among those that were targeting him most heavily at the time. While Hoosier State programs have prioritized him, he is also receiving plenty of interest from the likes of Ohio State, Texas, and Maryland as well.

In terms of national perception, Wesley is currently regarded as a consensus four-star prospect with many outlets slotting him in the Top 100 of the class. Considering the importance of versatility in the modern game, it should come as no surprise that Wesley is so well-respected in this class. He brings a dynamic 6-foot-5 frame to the wing and has the ability to fill a variety of roles.

Wesley can score at all three levels, defend multiple positions, and has improved as a playmaker as well. His smooth shooting form is impressive and there’s no doubt that he can finish through traffic above the rim. He has room to add muscle to his frame as well, and that will make him an even more dynamic performer. Wesley is also already regarded as a strong defender.

Butler’s coaching staff is interested in potentially securing Wesley but current 2021 commit Jayden Taylor might actually be the program’s top recruiter in this battle. The two guards are good friends that competed together with G3 Grind on the UAA circuit over this past summer. Additionally, Taylor and Wesley took their official visits to Butler together in the fall.

It does not feel as though Butler is among the favorites to land Wesley, though.