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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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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 09: Butler Bulldogs cheerleaders perform. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 09: Butler Bulldogs cheerleaders perform. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Impact of COVID-19 on Butler’s recruiting

Considering the concerns amidst the spread of the coronavirus, analyzing recruiting targets in the 2021 class can be very tricky. There is a very high chance that the AAU summer circuits are completely canceled and it might be impossible for coaches to schedule in-person visits.

This could prove to be a challenge for programs that have not done their due diligence with regard to early scouting or relationship-building with prospects in the class. It is also disappointing for some of the players that could have been poised for major breakouts.

As these concerns continue, though, I think that Butler is in very good shape considering the circumstances. The Dawgs already have a pair of solid in-state commits and have strong inroads with four prospects: Poulakidas has already been on campus four times, Barnhizer has attended several games, Joplin traveled to Indy for a game, and Wesley already took an official visit

It is reasonable to think that Butler is in good standing with at least a couple of those four and the coaching staff can continue to build those relationships even with social distancing in place. It wouldn’t surprise me to see one or two of that group eventually commit to play for the Dawgs.

Butler already seems to be ahead of the game nationally with three open spots left to fill in the class (for now). This has the makings of a potentially strong class for the second consecutive year as head coach LaVall Jordan and Co. are proving their abilities on the recruiting trail.

dark. Next. Butler's All-Decade Team of the 2010s

That concludes this look at Butler’s potential targets in the 2021 recruiting class. This piece will be updated over the next several months to indicate any changes or new offers. You can check back for updates by either visiting this page or following me on Twitter: @hardwiredsports.