NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 3 teams for four-star big Jordan Butler
Jordan Butler is a four-star prospect in the 2023 NCAA Basketball recruiting class. Who are the three programs in the running for his service?
When it comes to frontcourt prospects with high ceilings in the 2023 NCAA Basketball recruiting class, Jordan Butler is a player that comes to mind. He’s a 6’11 forward/center from Greenville, South Carolina, and is a consensus four-star recruit. 247sports has him ranked just outside the top 100 but there’s plenty of upside with his game.
Butler has a good face-up game offensively, capable of spreading the floor and shooting from deep. His frame and reach make him a good defender inside as well and with continued development can become a good starting frontcourt player. He’s a natural center but could also play at the four-spot in the right situation.
The four-star prospect has updated his recruitment, with three programs now in the running. Here’s a look at how they each would fit with Butler.
Auburn Tigers
The Tigers are selling Butler that he can be a breakout freshman with them, similar to what happened to Jabari Smith last season. But there are some questions about the future of the frontcourt depth. Five-star freshman Yohan Traore and Morehead State transfer Johni Broome could very well be around for just one year or maybe for multiple. Plus, backup center Dylan Cardwell is set to be in the rotation as well.
Butler will have to be careful with this roster but few head coaches have an as good history in bringing out the best in offensive potential as Bruce Pearl.
Missouri Tigers
With Trevon Brazile now at Arkansas, new head coach Dennis Gates has completely rebuilt the roster at Missouri. But there’s not much depth in the frontcourt, with JUCO transfer Mohamed Diarra and returning forward, Ronnie DeGray likely to get the minutes. Butler has more potential than either and would likely start as a freshman and along with freshman wing Aiden Shaw, would be a nice core of players to build around for the program.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Butler’s mother went to South Carolina, which could really give them an edge in this recruitment. It’s similar to GG Jackson, a five-star prospect who reclassified to join the Gamecocks for this upcoming season. These two likely won’t ever play together but Butler could easily come in the year after and start at center and be the focal point of the offense as a freshman.
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South Carolina is rebuilding under new head coach Lamont Paris but is still the “hometown” option for the four-star big man. Auburn represents the team most likely to win, while Missouri and the Gamecocks offers the most playing time and key role. Which direction will he ultimately go with?