The Bulldogs belong in any discussion of high-achieving teams in the 2009-2010 season. They have been ranked in the Top 25 the entire year, and hold the nation’s longest winning streak at fifteen games. They have the second best road record in the country (behind Syracuse), and have a perfect conference record of 16-0. The Bulldogs are ferocious at home – perfect thus far at 11-0.
Butler is led by super sophomore Gordon Hayward, who averages 16 points per game and 8.3 rebounds. When Butler plays, it is often the Hayward and Howard show; junior Matt Howard averages 11.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. The Bulldogs have two other players who average double figures – Shelvin Mack at 13.7 and Willie Veasley at 10 points per game.
It is a lock that the Butler Bulldogs will make the NCAA tournament, as the Horizon League champion. Watch this strong mid-major to make a George Mason-esque run far into the tournament. My prediction: Elite Eight.
Two reasons that Butler will make the Elite Eight:
1. This team is well-coached. Coach Brad Stevens runs out a fundamentally sound, “old school” type team each game. If you are looking for high-flying dunks and behind the back, no-look passes, this is not the team for you.
2. Gordon Hayward. This kid can do everything. He leads the team in scoring, and he had an out-of-this-world rebounding night against Youngstown State, pulling down 17 boards in the win. If he can stay consistent and healthy, watch out for the Bulldogs.
Two reasons that Butler will not make the Elite Eight:
1. Butler is a methodical team. That is the nice way of saying that their fundamentally sound, old school style does not lead the world in scoring. They average 69.9 points per game, while holding their opponents to 60.7. That 9-point average advantage is a little too close for comfort when they play the big guys in the tournament.
2. Butler is a mid-major. By definition, that means that they really don’t play anybody. Although they have a strong out-of-conference schedule which has contributed to a sound RPI (wins over Ohio State, UCLA, and on the road at Xavier), their losses to upper-tier teams (Minnesota, Clemson, UAB, and Georgetown) suggest that they are not ready for the big time.
