Butler University’s men’s basketball team, boasting a record of 18 wins and 15 losses last season (9-11 in the Big East), is striving for growth in the second year of Coach Thad Matta’s return to the program he once played for. While the Bulldogs have retained two of their top three scorers from the previous season and enjoy more stability with a less overhauled roster, the road ahead is daunting. The challenge lies in competing against a strong Big East field featuring three teams, including two-time reigning national champions, Connecticut, currently in the Top 25 rankings, alongside two others in the top 30, and Providence also close by. Therefore, cracking the upper echelon of the conference standings will not be easy.
Several players stand out as key contributors this season. Junior guard/forward Pierre Brooks II, standing at 6-foot-6, averaged 14.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game last year. After transferring from Michigan State, Brooks emerged as a vital asset for Butler, particularly as a reliable long-range shooter, leading the team with 80 successful three-pointers and a shooting percentage of 40.7% from beyond the arc. If he can either duplicate or enhance his previous performance, Brooks will be essential for Matta’s plans.
Another significant player is Jahmyl Telfort, a fifth-year senior forward measuring 6-foot-7, who recorded 13.9 points and 4.9 boards per game. Telfort made a notable impact in his first year with the Bulldogs after excelling at Northeastern. He ranked second on the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists, which saw him recognized with all-conference accolades. With a firm grasp of Matta’s strategies, he is expected to continue his positive momentum this season.
Patrick McCaffery, also a fifth-year senior and standing at 6-foot-9, contributed 8.9 points per game previously while amassing over 1,000 points in his college career under the guidance of his father, Iowa coach Fran McCaffery. He is anticipated to fit seamlessly into Butler’s system, enhancing the team’s overall performance.
The Bulldogs will have to fill the gaps left by the departure of starting point guard Posh Alexander, who has transferred to Dayton, and forward Jalen Thomas, who graduated. However, Matta has actively engaged in the transfer market and recruiting efforts. New additions to the team include wing Jaime Kaiser Jr. from Maryland and guard Kolby King, who has played for both Tulane and St. John’s. The incoming freshman class is notable with standout Evan Haywood, a finalist for the 2024 Indiana Mr. Basketball Award, alongside Colt Langdon.
Looking ahead on the schedule, some key matchups are set to take place: the season opener against Missouri State on November 4, a challenging game at Houston on December 7, a showdown with Wisconsin at home on December 14, and competitive encounters with Marquette and UConn later in December and January, along with other significant games throughout the season.
Notably, Butler was projected to finish eighth in the Big East this season. Many are keeping an eye on Brooks and Telfort, both of whom received recognition as preseason second-team all-conference picks. Additionally, Coach Matta welcomed McCaffery’s older brother, Connor, as an assistant coach this season, and the Bulldogs may be drawing extra attention due to Connor’s relationship with WNBA star Caitlin Clark. After a tough finish to last season, where the team recorded seven losses in nine games, Butler is eager for a fresh start and to establish itself in a highly competitive conference.