“Welcome to the Team” is a Q&A series where the Collegian sits down with first-year student-athletes who are entering their first season at Butler University. These articles will address why they chose Butler, what they hope to get out of this season and some personal tidbits that you won’t find anywhere else.
This week, managing editor Sawyer Goldwein sat down with four first-years from the Butler men’s basketball team: Baron Walker, Marko Maric, Herly Brutus and Samu Adler.
Baron Walker is a 6’3” guard from Noblesville, Ind.
THE BUTLER COLLEGIAN: Why did you choose to play at Butler?
BARON WALKER: For one, [it’s] close to home, [so my] friends and family [can] come and support me every time we play. Two, it’s a great fit for me on the court and off the court with an educational purpose. Lastly, it’s going to bring the best potential out of me and what I can really become. Coming here is the best decision for me.
TBC: Being an Indiana kid, when was the first time you saw Hinkle?
BW: I did a second grade basketball camp, and that was my first time seeing Hinkle. So that’s my first memorable moment. I have a photo of me with a Butler T-shirt, sitting on the dog right at the front entrance.
TBC: What is your favorite pregame hype song?
BW: “Get Ready” by Rod Wave.
TBC: What is your go to HORSE shot?
BW: If I’m playing on a backyard court, I think my favorite shot is behind the backboard where you throw it over.
TBC: Which three living people would you most like to have dinner with?
BW: LeBron [James] has to be there. LeBron’s the main one. I feel like [Barack] Obama would be cool to have dinner with. Then, lastly, Denzel Washington. That’s an elite table.
Marko Maric is a 7’0” forward from Zagreb, Croatia.
TBC: When did you first start playing basketball?
MARKO MARIC: I started playing basketball in 2019. My dad used to play basketball, [though] not professionally. I always loved to watch basketball so I wanted to play it as well.
TBC: Which of your current teammates has helped you the most so far?
MM: Asim [Djulovic]. I spend the most time with him because we speak the same language, so that helps. It’s easier when I’m around him.
TBC: Which professional player do you model your game after?
MM: Toni Kukoč. He’s a big guy and can do everything.
TBC: Do you have a favorite pregame meal?
MM: I don’t eat anything before the game.
TBC: Besides Butler, what is your favorite sports team?
MM: Dinamo Zagreb.
Herly Brutus is a 6’7” forward from Eustis, Fla.
TBC: When did you first start playing basketball?
HERLY BRUTUS: The first time I ever started playing basketball was third grade. My dad and my folks started me off in a little league so I started playing then.
TBC: Why did you decide to play at Butler?
HB: A lot of things. This is a great environment, of course. The coaching staff; [assistant coach Jalen Courtney-Williams] was a great aspect. He helped me throughout my two high school seasons to be a better college player.
TBC: What is your go-to shoe to wear in a game?
HB: Kobe 6.
TBC: If you had to play a different sport here at Butler, which team would you join?
HB: I would probably go back to football. [My position would be] wide receiver for sure.
TBC: What is one piece of advice that you have always followed?
HB: Try to get 1% better every day.
Samu Adler is a 6’6” guard from Espoo, Finland.
TBC: When did you first start playing basketball?
SAMU ADLER: I think I was around 10. I played hockey for nine years when I was a kid; that was my first sport until I was 13. I played both [hockey and basketball] from 10 to 13, then when I went to high school I had to choose basketball.
TBC: Do you have a favorite basketball memory?
SA: Probably last year. I loved when we were with the junior national teams, U16 and U18; I loved playing those. I [got to] just be hanging out with my best friends. But I think last year when [my team, Salon Vilpas] won the championship, that was pretty sweet.
TBC: Coming from Europe, what is the biggest difference you see between college basketball and the international game?
SA: I think the biggest difference is just the overall athleticism and people’s skill. We play a much faster tempo here than I remember playing overseas. The international games — playing for the national team — those games are kind of comparable, but [I would say the] fast pace, more skill and overall maybe more physical ball.
TBC: What professional player do you like to model your game after?
SA: There’s a couple I love to watch. In the EuroLeague there’s a guy, Kendrick Nunn; I like watching him. Luka [Dončić] and Steph [Curry] are the other two I’ve always watched.
TBC: Have you had any big culture shocks since being in the U.S.?
SA: People are a lot more social than they are back home. When I’m back home everyone’s kind of by themselves; they don’t really go out like that. But everybody [here] is really welcoming and really talkative compared to what I’m used to.