1. Butler will finish in the top six of the Big East
Although Butler was picked to finish tenth in the Big East, the Bulldogs have the potential to prove those predictions wrong. The Dawgs have a new coaching staff and several new players to prove that this season could look completely different than last year. New head coach Maria Marchesano has the opportunity to bring a new style of basketball to Butler, which could be exactly what the program needs. Being in a conference with programs like UConn, Villanova and Creighton will make finishing in the top six difficult, but not impossible. If Butler can find consistency early in the season and compete against its conference opponents, a sixth-place finish is not out of reach.
2. Saniya Jackson will earn All-Big East honors
Redshirt junior guard Saniya Jackson has the opportunity to become one of Butler’s most important players this season. Last year, she led the Bulldogs in rebounds and steals showing that she can make an impact beyond scoring. With Butler having so many new players joining the program, her experience can be especially valuable. If Jackson continues to develop offensively while maintaining her defensive presence, she could put herself in the conversation for All-Big East recognition. Additionally, the Dawgs will need players to step into leadership roles and as one of two returners, Jackson could be one of them.
3. Butler will pull off a major upset at Hinkle Fieldhouse
Every season has surprises and Butler can deliver one of the biggest in the Big East. The Bulldogs will face tough competition throughout conference play, but playing at Hinkle Fieldhouse could give them an advantage. While defeating UConn will be a major challenge, the Bulldogs could pull off an upset against Creighton or Villanova if they play their best basketball. This would be a huge accomplishment for the program as an upset against one of the Big East’s top teams would not only be a major confidence boost for the Dawgs, but could also change how the rest of the conference views Butler.
4. A newcomer will lead Butler in scoring
With a roster full of new faces, Butler’s leading scorer might be someone we have not yet seen play in a Bulldogs uniform. A pair of transfers, senior forward Lili Krasovec and sophomore guard Karina Bystry are two players that can make an immediate impact. Krasovec brings experience from Purdue Fort Wayne while Bystry is coming in after earning Horizon League All-Freshman recognition at Northern Kentucky. Both players have the potential to take on important offensive roles. While returning players will make an impact, Butler’s offense will likely depend heavily on the playmaking of its newcomers. If any of these new players adjust quickly to the Big East, they could become the Bulldogs’ leading scorer by the end of the season.
5. Butler will finish with a winning record
Perhaps the boldest prediction yet is that Butler will finish the season with more wins than losses. After finishing 12-19 last year, the Bulldogs have plenty of room for improvement. With a new head coach, new players and a fresh approach, things could be turning around for Butler. The team’s success will likely depend on how quickly the players adjust to one another. Competing in the Big East will present challenges but Butler does not necessarily need to defeat the conference’s best teams to finish with a winning record. If the Dawgs take advantage of their non-conference schedule, protect their home court and win close games, finishing above .500 is a realistic possibility.