The men’s basketball season is officially underway, as Butler opened its campaign with a 2-1 record. A deflating loss to Boise State followed back-to-back buy-game wins.
Here is what we learned from week one of the regular season:
1. Butler’s style will be boom-or-bust
Both ends of the success spectrum have already been on display this season for the Bulldogs. Their fast pace and high volume of three-point shooting worked to perfection in wins against Lafayette and FDU, with 30-plus-point margins in both games.
Against Boise State, it was a different story, with shots not falling, and the offense falling completely out of sync. The Broncos’ willing participation in a frenetic speed nudged Butler to the 80-point mark despite the struggles, but it exposed some issues for the Dawgs.
Still, shooting can cure just about everything. It feels inevitable that the Bulldogs will pull off at least one quality upset this season on the back of a good shooting day. On the other hand, a brutal loss could be in the works sooner or later on a cold night.
2. Bulldog guards will have to rebound
Butler’s easiest offense seemed to come in transition this week, as it outpaced all three opponents in fast-break points. Of course, in order to get out in transition, a team has to rebound. But to truly maximize success on the break, it is invaluable for ballhandlers to get involved on the glass.
Every second counts against top competition, so having Treyson Anderson or Drayton Jones get every rebound and have to find their point guard to get the offense started is not particularly effective. The bigs can still do work inside, blocking out the opponents’ best offensive rebounders, but the more rebounds the likes of Jalen Jackson or Eduardo Klafke can get, the more scoring opportunities the Dawgs will have going the other way.
Klafke has done the best job of that, and his rebounding numbers — both offensive and defensive — are identical to Jones’, albeit in more minutes of action. That is not a knock on Jones’ ability, but rather a sign that his box-outs and Klafke’s effort are paying off.
3. Jalen Jackson is the Dawgs’ most important player
The returning point guard leads Butler in scoring and is tied for the team lead in assists. He is also the only Bulldog averaging at least 30 minutes per game this season. It is not a surprise that a player in his fifth year, who is one of two key returners on the roster, is important.
But Jackson’s impact is palpable beyond just the stats. He dictates Butler’s pace, identifies opposing defenses and serves as the foremost leader on the floor for the Dawgs.
Last season, Butler’s success waned quickly after Jackson was forced to the sideline with an injury. With Jackson healthy this year — despite a scare in the preseason — he has been able to showcase his value on the court.
There are complementary pieces around him who can score, pass, rebound and defend, but Jackson is the natural leader of the team. They will go as he goes this season.