Jesperson names a top 3; says Tubby one of the greatest coaches of all time

[BleedGopher]

per this article by ScoutHoops.com:

One of the more unknown prospects at the NBA Camp -- Paul Jesperson -- sat down with Scout.com to chat about his week at camp.

Paul Jesperson hasn’t been a nationally known name.

But after a strong spring the 6-foot-7 wing prospect has slowly put himself on the map. Offers began rolling in April and May and now Jesperson has turned himself into a popular 2011 prospect.

This week the Merrill (Wisc.) High standout, who averaged 20 points and seven rebounds during his junior season, is playing at the NBA Camp and more than holding his own against the nations best.

“I like it a lot,” Jesperson said of the highly regarded camp. “It’s good that the NBA guys come in and give us input on our game and tell us what we need to work on.”

Having played on a smaller AAU team and flying under the radar, Jesperson hasn’t had the opportunity to participate in a camp of this nature.

“This is my first camp like this,” Jesperson said. “My mentality coming into this is that I want to win and your team wants to win, but you have to come in hungry and hungry to showcase yourself too.”

“I’m trying to be more aggressive,” he added. “I definitely need to be more aggressive, but I’m trying to come in with the mentality that I’ll be aggressive.”

While he admits he still needs to be more assertive in the game, Jesperson has shown high major ability. Blessed with great size for the wing, he has no problem getting his shot off and he has an impressive looking jump shot.

“When I came in here I don’t think anyone that I could defend anybody and I think that’s what I’ve been doing best out here,” he said. “I’m defending my guys. I definitely have to start shooting the ball better, taking it to the rack and distributing.”

Jesperson’s recruitment has picked up over the past few months and he scored another new offer on Tuesday.

“I’ve put in a lot of time after the high school season so I could have a big spring and it’s starting to pay off,” he said. “I just picked up an offer from Virginia the other day. A lot of schools are starting to contact me.”

To go with Virginia, Jesperson has scholarship offers from Arizona State, Butler, Minnesota, Northwestern, Wisconsin-Green Bay and Colorado State. Notre Dame and Boston College are also in the mix.

“I definitely like Butler, Virginia and Minnesota,” Jesperson said when asked about favorites. “I like those schools a lot and Northwestern is right up there too.”

When pressed on what he likes about those four schools, Jesperson cited coaching and fit as reasons he wanted to take closer looks at the prospective schools.

“The coach from [Virginia] is somewhat new, but I know he’s going to get it done by looking at what he’s done at the other schools he’s at,” he said. “Butler had a great run this year and their coach is great.”

“Tubby Smith is one of the greatest coaches of all time and Northwestern I think is just a great fit for me. Coach [Bill] Carmody, I have a lot of respect for him too.”

Jesperson, who took trips to Notre Dame, Butler and Northwestern a few weeks ago, said he’ll put visiting schools on hold until after July. Then he’ll jump into the recruiting process more.

“I’m going to wait until after the July. Once July is done I’m going to see what schools have offered me and then I’m going to narrow it down to five or six schools and then take some visits. “

http://minnesota.scout.com/2/978446.html

Go Gophers!!

 

[GophersOnTheRise]

I don't want any excuses, Tubby better land Jesperson or I'm going to be extremely disappointed.

 

[Go Gophs eh?]

We really should not be posting premieum material on this board. I've seen other boards get into trouble for this.

haha just kidding. I hate people who say that. Thankyou for the article. Hopefully Paul gets some sense and realizes that Butler is going nowhere after Mack and Howard leave, and Virginia isn't going anywhere. Commit to the U.

 

[Title_BU]

Hopefully Paul gets some sense and realizes that Butler is going nowhere after Mack and Howard leave, and Virginia isn't going anywhere. Commit to the U.

Meaning no disrespect, but Butler has a three person 2010 class. Two of which are in the Rivals 150 (among other places) and the third in the MaxPreps Top 100 (among other places) - (not to mention being in very good position for Rivals 150 guys with all three remaining spots in '11)

Just a cursory check of the major rating services shows that pretty much the opposite of the basic point you were trying to make, is the case.

Side note: I am almost certainly going to be moving to the Twin Cities in the coming months, so I'll likely latch-on to the Gophers.

 

[Go Gophs eh?]

Meaning no disrespect, but Butler has a three person 2010 class. Two of which are in the Rivals 150 (among other places) and the third in the MaxPreps Top 100 (among other places) - (not to mention being in very good position for Rivals 150 guys with all three remaining spots in '11)

Just a cursory check of the major rating services shows that pretty much the opposite of the basic point you were trying to make, is the case.

Side note: I am almost certainly going to be moving to the Twin Cities in the coming months, so I'll likely latch-on to the Gophers.

Well i mean no disrespect, but i don't see any FF or Tourney runs past the second round without those core guys, Butler was good, but I don't see it being good every year.

 

[Coogles]

Well i mean no disrespect, but i don't see any FF or Tourney runs past the second round without those core guys, Butler was good, but I don't see it being good every year.

...and the Gophs have been?

Oh, and Butler reached the Sweet 16 (3rd round) in 2003 and 2007 without any one of those three players on the roster.

They may have never reached a Final Four before this year, but this isn't the first good team they've ever had.

 

[Go Gophs eh?]

...and the Gophs have been?

Oh, and Butler reached the Sweet 16 (3rd round) in 2003 and 2007 without any one of those three players on the roster.

They may have never reached a Final Four before this year, but this isn't the first good team they've ever had.

Butler fans on a minnesota fan board? really? Well I see your point, but heres mine. 1. Buler V Minnesota without Mbakwe, Royce, or Bostick. Who won? 2. Who will be better in 2 years when Howard and Mack are gone, you can't honestly say Butler becuse they have no proven players besides them which is my point about where Jesperson should go. 3. Which team is better with Jesperson? Oh and 4. Who has a better coach, sure Stevens is a good coach, maybe even a great one, but he has a ways to go before he is on Tubby Smith's level.

 

[coolhandgopher]

A couple thoughts here. . .
* A Golden Gopher fan really has no place to be talking trash about the Butler program right now. You can play the 'wait til two years' game with just about every team, including the Gophers (what if Tubby leaves/retires, as an example?) Butler's recent history, particularly in the NCAA tourney, should not be scoffed at by anyone.
* I think programs and fans around the nation, particularly the Midwest, should get used to seeing Butler vying for top/solid recruits and not necessarily expecting that the Bulldogs will be Plan B or C for said recruits. They've joined or even surpassed Gonzaga and Xavier as formidable mid-major programs.
* Tough to say how long Brad Stevens will remain at Butler, but when you're a high school kid who's considering different programs the memory will be pretty fresh of last year's championship game plus the development of Gordon Hayward from an overlooked national recruit to NBA #1 pick after two years for at least a year or two. Recent history can mean quite a bit more to recruits than what occurred 10, 20 or 50 years ago.
* To the Butler fans who have visited the board-it would be easy to come on here and flame away at the disrespect towards your program; it's appreciated by at least this poster that you haven't taken this to a trashing of our program that would result in an idiotic tearing down of two solid programs. I think I can speak for others on here that we always enjoy informed, intelligent posters who visit from other programs and enhance the quality of conversation on the Gopher Hole. Please continue to offer your insights and best wishes to your Bulldogs, I hope you can continue to build on that unforgettable season of yours.

 

[SelectionSunday]

Disrespecting Butler? Not the way to go. Please take a look at what Butler has done in the last 10 seasons and compare it to what the Gopher program has accomplished. There is no comparison. And as Coogles pointed out, they've "done it" several times with several different groups of players.

 

[Go Gophs eh?]

I gave credit where credit was due, but lets be honest who here honestly sees Butler going on a run without Mack or Howard? Even making the tourney? thats all i'm saying, not that Butler is bad, just that they will have a hard time without those guys.

 

[dpodoll68]

I gave credit where credit was due, but lets be honest who here honestly sees Butler going on a run without Mack or Howard? Even making the tourney? thats all i'm saying, not that Butler is bad, just that they will have a hard time without those guys.

Dude, seriously? You're keeping up with this? You are so wrong I don't even know where to begin. But, for starters, as others have already said, Butler has been good-to-great for several years, through multiple coaching changes, and with several different players. The Final Four run last year was not a fluke. People liked to pretend they came out of nowhere, but they were a Top 10 team in the preseason and were ranked for most (all?) of the regular season.

Minnesota got lucky and beat Butler when they had an off night. That does not make our squad better. In fact, Butler has been so much better than Minnesota in recent years that even putting them in the same conversation is laughable.

 

[tjgopher]

Anyone with half a brain knows that Butler has been superior to Minnesota over the past decade in college basketball. Losing Howard and Mack in a year or two may or may not impact that level of superiority. Butler is likely here to stay as a mid-major college powerhouse and any high school player choosing to go there will be alright.

But, I think there is a point to be made about this -- where would a recruit go to school if offered by both Butler and Minnesota? And, my assertion is even with Butler's recent success, if the choice came down to MN or Butler that most top level high school basketball prospects would still choose to play at Minnesota over Butler for many, many reasons.

At Minnesota, a top level basketball player would be on national TV for almost EVERY game. He would be challenging himself night in and night out against some of the nation's best college players. He would be playing in front of mostly-packed Big Ten gymnasiums, many of which are legendary venues (including his home arena). He would be playing for a Hall of Fame coach. He would almost certainly have a chance to play in the NCAA tournament and maybe make a run. His degree would be meaningful from well-known Big Ten institution.

At Butler, a top level basketball player would be on national TV maybe 3-4 times per year. He would be playing against lesser competition on almost a nightly basis. He would be playing many games in glorified high school gyms in front of a few thousand people in the Horizon League, although his own home gym is legendary itself. He would be guaranteed trips to the NCAA tourney with a good chance to make a run or two. His degree would be meaningful from a well-known smaller, private school.

So, all in all, we can say what we want about the program's successes, etc., but, IMHO, the day Tubby Smith starts losing recruiting battles to Butler is a day to start worrying about the Minnesota program.

 

[Coogles]

At Butler, a top level basketball player would be on national TV maybe 3-4 times per year. He would be playing against lesser competition on almost a nightly basis. He would be playing many games in glorified high school gyms in front of a few thousand people in the Horizon League, although his own home gym is legendary itself. He would be guaranteed trips to the NCAA tourney with a good chance to make a run or two. His degree would be meaningful from a well-known smaller, private school.

So, all in all, we can say what we want about the program's successes, etc., but, IMHO, the day Tubby Smith starts losing recruiting battles to Butler is a day to start worrying about the Minnesota program.

Butler played on national television 12 times last year prior to the NCAA tournament. Once on the B10 network, twice on ESPN, 5 times on ESPN2, and 4 times on ESPNU. Every home game is broadcast on local televsion as well, if it wasn't already picked up by a national network. All Horizon League games are also broadcast free over the internet.

With the players Butler goes after, it all comes down to how the individual fits in with the culture of the program. John Wall types aren't coming to Butler, but Paul Jesperson isn't that caliber of player. Maybe some guys like the atmosphere of a small school. Maybe he relates better with Stevens than another coach. Maybe he thinks there's a spot in the lineup that's open, giving him and chance to come in and get minutes right away. Who really knows?

But to your last point, Howard picked Butler over offers from Purdue, IU, and Xavier. Hayward picked Butler over Purdue. Mack picked Butler over Miami (Fl.) and a late offer from Kentucky.

I'm not going to pretend that Butler has Jesperson locked up...no one knows that, but Stevens and his staff have the chance to reach out and get recruits now that wouldn't necessarily have given them a look just a few years ago.

We'll see what happens, but I wouldn't be surprised to see either Uthoff or Jesperson commit to Butler by the end of July. Uthoff's timetable seems like it's a bit shorter than Jesperson's, so who knows? Maybe that spot won't be open and it'll be left to Tubby and Bennett to fight for his services.

 

[Friend Of Tubby]

Anyone with half a brain knows that Butler has been superior to Minnesota over the past decade in college basketball. Losing Howard and Mack in a year or two may or may not impact that level of superiority. Butler is likely here to stay as a mid-major college powerhouse and any high school player choosing to go there will be alright.

But, I think there is a point to be made about this -- where would a recruit go to school if offered by both Butler and Minnesota? And, my assertion is even with Butler's recent success, if the choice came down to MN or Butler that most top level high school basketball prospects would still choose to play at Minnesota over Butler for many, many reasons.

At Minnesota, a top level basketball player would be on national TV for almost EVERY game. He would be challenging himself night in and night out against some of the nation's best college players. He would be playing in front of mostly-packed Big Ten gymnasiums, many of which are legendary venues (including his home arena). He would be playing for a Hall of Fame coach. He would almost certainly have a chance to play in the NCAA tournament and maybe make a run. His degree would be meaningful from well-known Big Ten institution.

At Butler, a top level basketball player would be on national TV maybe 3-4 times per year. He would be playing against lesser competition on almost a nightly basis. He would be playing many games in glorified high school gyms in front of a few thousand people in the Horizon League, although his own home gym is legendary itself. He would be guaranteed trips to the NCAA tourney with a good chance to make a run or two. His degree would be meaningful from a well-known smaller, private school.

So, all in all, we can say what we want about the program's successes, etc., but, IMHO, the day Tubby Smith starts losing recruiting battles to Butler is a day to start worrying about the Minnesota program.

Except in November 2009. The Gophers were one of very few teams to defeat Butler in 2009-10.

 

[tjgopher]

Butler played on national television 12 times last year prior to the NCAA tournament. Once on the B10 network, twice on ESPN, 5 times on ESPN2, and 4 times on ESPNU.

Plus, don't forget the several times Butler was on during the NCAA tourney. I didn't realize you were on that many times, albeit many were in odd time slots, etc. It still equates to roughly 40% of the Butler schedule on national TV. Minnesota was at 100% last year.

Howard picked Butler over offers from Purdue, IU, and Xavier. Hayward picked Butler over Purdue. Mack picked Butler over Miami (Fl.) and a late offer from Kentucky.

Butler's been outstanding at picking up "close to home" guys that are undervalued with few or no offers from the big boys. Kudos. Howard, Mack, and Hayward had other D-I offers, some were conditional, some offers ended up not being there, some were legit. No one knows for sure in all of those cases. Purdue, for example, had definitely offered Howard, but simply ran out of scholarships when Martin took the offer ahead of Howard. So, while it is an offer, it isn't exactly accurate to say he "chose" BU over PU. Had PU's offer still been there, Howard might well be a Boiler today. Painter wanted him, absolutely. My guess is Purdue wins that battle had they still had a scholarship. We could quibble, but that serves no purpose. And, again, kudos on finding some good players who fit the setup. That's how mid-major powers are built, no doubt about it.

I wouldn't be surprised to see either Uthoff or Jesperson commit to Butler by the end of July.

I would be stunned. What makes you so confident to say it wouldn't surprise you? I'd be willing to bet that both end up at Big Ten schools.

Stevens and his staff have the chance to reach out and get recruits now that wouldn't necessarily have given them a look just a few years ago.

Agreed. But, don't get so defensive when someone suggests it is still an uphill fight for Butler to win those battles against the big boys on a consistent basis. Overall, I believe the University of Minnesota should be winning almost every head-to-head recruiting battle against Butler. But, that doesn't mean I think Butler is a worse program. Just the opposite, in fact. As I said, you have a program that we are envious of. You have been superior to the Gophers. It just means the U of M has some resources and off-the-court aspects that should be more attractive to the top level basketball player.

 

[Coogles]

I would be stunned. What makes you so confident to say it wouldn't surprise you? I'd be willing to bet that both end up at Big Ten schools.

Not being surprised if Uthoff or Jesperson chooses Butler and being confident that one of those two will pick Butler are two very different things. The staff only has those two offers out for the position, so they at least have some confidence.

Regardless, Uthoff has said on more than one occasion that he wants to have his list narrowed down to three-five by the end of the month and wants to make a decision shortly after that. Reports around the recruiting circles are saying that Uthoff is scheduled to take another visit soon, meaning Butler is likely to be a name found in that final list of three to five.

 

[UWOle]

We'll see what happens, but I wouldn't be surprised to see either Uthoff or Jesperson commit to Butler by the end of July. Uthoff's timetable seems like it's a bit shorter than Jesperson's, so who knows? Maybe that spot won't be open and it'll be left to Tubby and Bennett to fight for his services.

You are correct in that Uthoff's timetable seems to be shorter than Jesperson's. However, I will be surprised if Uthoff does not end up in a Big 10 program. He has some really good options in UW and Illinois, and a home state school with a new coach. Indiana has also offered, and I thought I read Minnesota was showing some interest but had not offered yet.

If I had to guess, I would put Butler third among Jesperson's top 3.

 

[MDGopherFan]

A couple thoughts here. . .
* A Golden Gopher fan really has no place to be talking trash about the Butler program right now. You can play the 'wait til two years' game with just about every team, including the Gophers (what if Tubby leaves/retires, as an example?) Butler's recent history, particularly in the NCAA tourney, should not be scoffed at by anyone.
* I think programs and fans around the nation, particularly the Midwest, should get used to seeing Butler vying for top/solid recruits and not necessarily expecting that the Bulldogs will be Plan B or C for said recruits. They've joined or even surpassed Gonzaga and Xavier as formidable mid-major programs.
* Tough to say how long Brad Stevens will remain at Butler, but when you're a high school kid who's considering different programs the memory will be pretty fresh of last year's championship game plus the development of Gordon Hayward from an overlooked national recruit to NBA #1 pick after two years for at least a year or two. Recent history can mean quite a bit more to recruits than what occurred 10, 20 or 50 years ago.
* To the Butler fans who have visited the board-it would be easy to come on here and flame away at the disrespect towards your program; it's appreciated by at least this poster that you haven't taken this to a trashing of our program that would result in an idiotic tearing down of two solid programs. I think I can speak for others on here that we always enjoy informed, intelligent posters who visit from other programs and enhance the quality of conversation on the Gopher Hole. Please continue to offer your insights and best wishes to your Bulldogs, I hope you can continue to build on that unforgettable season of yours.

you mean NBA first rounder, not NBA #1 pick, as I think that honor will belong to Wall from Kentucky this year

 

[Coogles]

You are correct in that Uthoff's timetable seems to be shorter than Jesperson's. However, I will be surprised if Uthoff does not end up in a Big 10 program. He has some really good options in UW and Illinois, and a home state school with a new coach. Indiana has also offered, and I thought I read Minnesota was showing some interest but had not offered yet.

If I had to guess, I would put Butler third among Jesperson's top 3.

Wouldn't surprise me at all. I think most consider Iowa State to be his leader.

 

[Title_BU]

You are correct in that Uthoff's timetable seems to be shorter than Jesperson's. However, I will be surprised if Uthoff does not end up in a Big 10 program. He has some really good options in UW and Illinois, and a home state school with a new coach. Indiana has also offered, and I thought I read Minnesota was showing some interest but had not offered yet.

Illinois and Wisconsin are not better basketball programs than Butler. And, Indiana? Come on now, don't be dumb.

As an aside, I believe the Uthoff will ultimately go ahead and pick Iowa State. As far as Jesperson goes...UVA or BU

I'm not sure where you have been, but the days of Butler being somehow intimidated by Big Ten programs is pretty far in the rearview mirror.

 

[tjgopher]

As far as Jesperson goes...UVA or BU

Why do you think MN is out of it or behind UVA or BU? Just curious. His latest interview includes this quote:

"Oh man, I was really excited when Minnesota offered. It's a school I have a very high interest in and I was real excited to get the offer. I think Minnesota would be a good fit because I think they play a lot to my strengths. They like to get out and push the ball, spot up for threes, I see Blake Hoffarber spot up from three all the time in transition so I think that would benefit me. That's a major thing that would benefit me."

Illinois and Wisconsin are not better basketball programs than Butler. And, Indiana? Come on now, don't be dumb. I'm not sure where you have been, but the days of Butler being somehow intimidated by Big Ten programs is pretty far in the rearview mirror.

No one is saying Butler will be intimidated on the court. Of course those days are long gone. That doesn't equate to recruiting, however. As mentioned, there are intrinsic advantages for Big Ten schools that mid-majors just cannot meet. Sometimes a mid-major program will still get a guy because of fit or location, etc. Butler has been good at ID'ing those guys. But, when it boils down to it, almost always even a mediocre big program will be chosen over a mid-major powerhouse by top prospects. TV, venues, opportunities to challenge yourself, bigger stage, etc. factors in. Doesn't mean that Butler is somehow "lesser." Just means it doesn't have resources and other factors that favor bigger schools. Doesn't mean that Butler won't beat big programs on occasion, they clearly will. It just means most of the time, Butler will lose head-to-head recruiting battles with major programs. It is just the way it is.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say it would be a bad strategical move if Coach Stevens started believing he could recruit head-to-head against Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota and consistently beat them out for top prospects. If he believes that, then that will be one way Butler comes back to the pack in the Horizon League. They will key on kids they ultimately won't get on a consistent basis and be left scrambling for kids that other mid-majors have been recruiting vigorously. Butler's strength over the years has been getting on kids that either the big boys have undervalued or kids that fit the small school profile and would choose a Butler over a Big Ten team (there just aren't that many of those kids).

Some of you Butler folks need to get thicker skin. Part of being in the spotlight means you have to sometimes deal with things. Almost every Gopher fan in this thread has complimented your program and shown some envy. Yet, you somehow feel slighted.

 

[UWOle]

Illinois and Wisconsin are not better basketball programs than Butler. And, Indiana? Come on now, don't be dumb.

As an aside, I believe the Uthoff will ultimately go ahead and pick Iowa State. As far as Jesperson goes...UVA or BU

I'm not sure where you have been, but the days of Butler being somehow intimidated by Big Ten programs is pretty far in the rearview mirror.

Good God, calm down. Where did I saw that Butler was intimitated by Big 10 programs or anyone else? Based on what I have read in various spots, I believe Uthoff will end up in the Big 10, which isn't really going out on a limb given that half the conference has shown some level of interest in him.

And where did I say that Illinois and UW were better programs than Butler? I simply noted that both were very good options for him within the local conference. Illinois has recruited as well as anyone in the country over the last three classes (2009 to 2011). They are going to have a lot of talent in the coming seasons, and they still need a forward. I would think that at would be an attractive program for Uthoff. UW has been consistently successful during Bo's nine seasons, winning more conference games (regular season and tournament) than any other conference school over that time period. They are reasonably close to his home, and run an offense that is friendly to versatile big men. Again, that would appear to be an attractive option.

Some program is going to be very lucky to land Uthoff. I believe he will end up at a Big 10 school, though Iowa St. is certainly in the mix given his family's connections there and the location. I am obviously hoping he chooses to be a Badger.

 

[Coogles]

...when it boils down to it, almost always even a mediocre big program will be chosen over a mid-major powerhouse by top prospects.

That's just a fundamental point we disagree on. Xavier has had tons of success identifying guys, getting on their radar early and getting commitments even when the big names come calling. Butler may have beaten Xavier the last two years, but as a program they're still a step ahead. Their atmosphere at home games, extremely compeitive non-league schedules, academic fit, coaching staff, etc. all play a part. Butler has those same qualities, albeit with a smaller budget.

In order to reach that level on a consistent basis, though, Butler needs to be able to land a higher level of talent. In terms of character and team goals, the players won't change a bit, which is why they'll still find a good fit with the university, and why Butler will still have a chance to land them.

Indiana writer Jeff Rabjohns wrote a piece a month ago about how Haywar'd decision will affect Butler's recruiting. It's an interesting read:

http://blogs.indystar.com/recruitingcentral/2010/05/why-gordon-hayw.html

Basically what it boils down to, though, is can I get exposure there? Can I get to the NCAA tournament from there? The obvious answer to both questions is yes. Hayward and Mack played for the U-19 USA team. NBA scouts followed Hayward all over the country. Games were played on national television. Butler reached a final four.

I know it seems like the average B10 team has every built-in advantage possible, but this year's run built on consistent success and Hayward's decision to go to the NBA (and likely lottery pick) have changed things. No one really knows how this will all play out, but there's no question that recruiting has opened up. Landing a name like Cody Zeller would really open up some minds, so here's to hoping that happens. If UNC comes in with a late offer that would be pretty devastating, but otherwise I like Butler's chances there.

Finally, a quote from assistant coach Micah Shrewsberry, referring to the run tho the title game:

"It’s obviously opened up new doors for us,” Shrewsberry said. “There are players who have known about Butler and known we’ve had success. But now they’ve really been more receptive, in terms of this is a place I can go and reach all my dreams. (Those players say Butler has) played in a national championship game and they have a guy who’s going to play in the NBA. Those are two dreams that most players have. Now, we can say, ‘You can do it here.'"

Have a great day, gentlemen.

 

[scher215]

That's just a fundamental point we disagree on. Xavier has had tons of success identifying guys, getting on their radar early and getting commitments even when the big names come calling. Butler may have beaten Xavier the last two years, but as a program they're still a step ahead. Their atmosphere at home games, extremely compeitive non-league schedules, academic fit, coaching staff, etc. all play a part. Butler has those same qualities, albeit with a smaller budget.

In order to reach that level on a consistent basis, though, Butler needs to be able to land a higher level of talent. In terms of character and team goals, the players won't change a bit, which is why they'll still find a good fit with the university, and why Butler will still have a chance to land them.

Indiana writer Jeff Rabjohns wrote a piece a month ago about how Haywar'd decision will affect Butler's recruiting. It's an interesting read:

http://blogs.indystar.com/recruitingcentral/2010/05/why-gordon-hayw.html

Basically what it boils down to, though, is can I get exposure there? Can I get to the NCAA tournament from there? The obvious answer to both questions is yes. Hayward and Mack played for the U-19 USA team. NBA scouts followed Hayward all over the country. Games were played on national television. Butler reached a final four.

I know it seems like the average B10 team has every built-in advantage possible, but this year's run built on consistent success and Hayward's decision to go to the NBA (and likely lottery pick) have changed things. No one really knows how this will all play out, but there's no question that recruiting has opened up. Landing a name like Cody Zeller would really open up some minds, so here's to hoping that happens. If UNC comes in with a late offer that would be pretty devastating, but otherwise I like Butler's chances there.

Finally, a quote from assistant coach Micah Shrewsberry, referring to the run tho the title game:

"It’s obviously opened up new doors for us,” Shrewsberry said. “There are players who have known about Butler and known we’ve had success. But now they’ve really been more receptive, in terms of this is a place I can go and reach all my dreams. (Those players say Butler has) played in a national championship game and they have a guy who’s going to play in the NBA. Those are two dreams that most players have. Now, we can say, ‘You can do it here.'"

Have a great day, gentlemen.

One national championship game and one NBA player puts them up with recruiting against Indiana, MSU, Michigan, OSU, etc? Shall we compile a list of NBA players and title appearances for each Big Ten school ... i dont think the results will bode well for the argument that Butler will now get to the NBA or the finals in the same way that MSU, Indiana, Michigan, etc. will. I don't ever see a star Izzo recruit choosing Butler over MSU.

There are currently 33 NBA players from Big Ten Schools, and 1 NBA player from the Horizon leauge ... which conference can REALLY prep you for the NBA better?

 

[tjgopher]

In order to reach that level on a consistent basis, though, Butler needs to be able to land a higher level of talent.

I know it seems like the average B10 team has every built-in advantage possible, but this year's run built on consistent success and Hayward's decision to go to the NBA (and likely lottery pick) have changed things.

Finally, a quote from assistant coach Micah Shrewsberry, referring to the run tho the title game:

"It’s obviously opened up new doors for us,” Shrewsberry said. “There are players who have known about Butler and known we’ve had success. But now they’ve really been more receptive, in terms of this is a place I can go and reach all my dreams. (Those players say Butler has) played in a national championship game and they have a guy who’s going to play in the NBA. Those are two dreams that most players have. Now, we can say, ‘You can do it here.'"

Given your recent success, I wouldn't change a thing. Be very, very careful in going down the road of changing the way your program operates and the expectations you place on your coach. It is dangerous, in my opinion, to begin thinking you can consistently beat out Indiana and other Big Ten teams for recruits. Be very careful.

As I said earlier, I'd go so far as to say it would be a bad strategical move if Coach Stevens started believing he could recruit head-to-head against Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota and consistently beat them out for top prospects. If he believes that, then that will be one way Butler comes back to the pack in the Horizon League. They will key on kids they ultimately won't get on a consistent basis and be left scrambling for kids that other mid-majors have been recruiting vigorously. Butler's strength over the years has been getting on kids that either the big boys have undervalued or kids that fit the small school profile and would choose a Butler over a Big Ten team (there just aren't that many of those kids).

Butler was 13-15 as recently as 2005. So, let's not start thinking this is some unsinkable ship. Recruiting out of the comfort zone may seem like a great idea given the run to the national title game. But, competing against IU, MN, ILL, PU for recruits is going to be a losing battle too many times to make it all that worthwhile.

People were talking about Brad Stevens being in a dream situation, but listening to some of these Butler posters, it sounds like they are expecting to contend for national title every year or something. Unrealistic expectations. Expectations now that Stevens must INCREASE THE LEVEL OF TALENT??? He may regret sticking around and passing up a monster payday if that's become the mindset. Time will tell.

 

[Coogles]

Given your recent success, I wouldn't change a thing. Be very, very careful in going down the road of changing the way your program operates and the expectations you place on your coach. It is dangerous, in my opinion, to begin thinking you can consistently beat out Indiana and other Big Ten teams for recruits. Be very careful.

::sigh:: Butler hasn't changed anything, really. Take a gander at the 2010 class. Khyle Marshall is another 3-star with some high major interest, but his final visits came down to Butler, Old Dominion, and UAB. Erik Fromm was a nice pickup, but a young, late-bloomer with no high-major offers. Chrishawn Hopkins was the biggest steal. He's a great talent with ridiculous speed and athleticism. He snuck into the Rivals Top150 at the end of his senior season, but he really should be higher. 6-1 guards who have had to get stitches on their foreheads from hitting the rim, who can also run the point and shoot 40+% from beyond the arc don't come around often.

For 2011 there's Roosevelt Jones, who Butler put the full-fourt press onto and got him to commit early. Now that eyes are on him he's improved enough that he's supposedly knocking on being a Top100. Travis Trice is their primary PG target, who's biggest other offer is Dayton. Some ACC/B10 schools have come calling recently, but I don't believe any has offered just yet.

When Butler offered Uthoff, Iowa State was his only high-major offer. When they offered Jesperson, Arizona State was his only high-major offer...and they offer everybody. They're not going to run and hide just because other schools caught on. What they will do is identify new targets and recruit them in case Uthoff or Jesperson goes another direction. From what I gather, those two targets are Aaron White and Andy Smeathers. Both have taken visits, both are heavily interested, but neither will receive an offer until one of those two players goes elsewhere. Stevens isn't naive or unprepared.

 

[howeda7]

This argument is a bit silly. Butler has made multiple NCAA tournaments, multiple Sweet 16's and now a Final Four. There are officially a 'ultra-high major' a la Gonzaga. For all intents and purposes that equates them to a middle-of-the-pack Big 10 team, whent it comes to prestige, recruiting, etc. Currently, that's what Minnesota is. There's no shame in competing with them for recruits. The only real difference is that Butler is for all intents and purposes at its ceiling. Minnesota has the ability to rise higher, as they have in the past. We'll see if they can once again.