Optimism Surrounds New Look Dawgs

The last time I wrote I argued that it was okay to be excited. A disastrous last 3 seasons led the Dawgs into the sewers where we were met with (warranted) insults, jokes, and pessimism toward our beloved team. I described this offseason as a rebirth and the first 2 exhibitions allowed us to watch our team learn to walk again. When our new team was forming we only had to latch on to highlights with former teams, high schools, and small glimpses from the few returning players. Now we have seen the boys in action and the optimism and excitement around the team has grown. 

2 Takeaways from Exhibition Play

The Dawgs looked phenomenal in their exhibition matchups, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Most Butler fans had a few priorities for this new season which most commonly included playing faster, shooting the ball at a higher clip, and creating a more efficient offense. The exhibitions created high hopes that these questions would be answered this season thanks to a few key points. 

1) Let it fly 

For the past 3 years, Butler has been absolutely abysmal from 3. Confidence wasn't the issue, the team loved to shoot the 3 ball but they seemed to be allergic to making it efficiently. This made the offense extremely stagnant especially when very few of our players had the ability to create their own shot. I truly don't think shooting the ball will be an issue this year thanks to a few key players. Let's start with the obvious 2 answers: DJ Davis and Finley Bizjack. DJ Davis is not just a good shooter, he is truly and statistically one of the best shooters in the country. He was 95th percentile in 3-point shooting off the dribble and spot-up last season. He did this while being the clear-cut #1 option for UC Irvine which also means he was drawing the attention of the defense every night. I expect him to get more open looks than he is used to this season which will be key for Butler's offense. The second is Freshman phenom Finley Bizjack. Butler fans have heard this name hyped up since his commitment and these exhibitions only added fuel to the excitement. He is a confident scorer who moves the ball unselfishly but won't pass up an open look if he gets it. I expect Butler to be in the upper half of the Big East in 3-point shooting which is a breath of fresh air for the fans. 

2) Run

Butler has played one of the most boring, slow, inefficient offenses since Kamar Baldwin graduated. Blue Collar offense just doesn't work anymore which is why the Dawgs needed to adapt and adjust. Alex Barlow has brought in an NBA-style system that prioritizes getting out on the break and shooting the 3. If you attended any games last year you probably grew familiar with the groans from the crowd as an inefficient midrange jumper clanked off the rim. Those shots will no longer be a part of the offense. Pierre Brooks was quoted saying that Coach Barlow wants long 3's over midrange jumpers any day of the week. The Dawgs showed the ability to get into transition, finish at the rim, and find the open man in their first 2 chances to compete against another opponent.