New Conference, New Season

Butler Bulldogs to Atlantic 10 in 2012-13

So it turns out that Butler is moving to the A-10 a year early, apparently because they would not have been allowed to compete for conference championships in the Horizon League this coming season, meaning they could not get an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament next season.  Regardless, it is time to focus on the men's basketball team in the A-10 for 2012-13.  While I do think Butler will be much improved offensively with Rotnei Clarke and Kellen Dunham, they are not getting much defensive help from those two, which is especially troublesome considering the loss of two time Horizon Defensive Player of the Year Ronald Nored.  In a stronger conference, the Bulldogs might struggle a bit on the defensive end, but not too much since this is a Brad Stevens coached team. 

Offensively, this team will be much improved, and not only because of Clarke.  The attention and respect he earns should also free up Chrishawn Hopkins and Chase Stigall, who combined to shoot an atrocious 28.1% from three point range this past season.  Clarke's shooting will also allow Andrew Smith and Kameron Woods to stay in the post more instead of shooting a couple three pointers each game, as I believe they are both far more effective down low.  While the Bulldogs might have some struggles defensively, they will be a very potent offensive team in the A-10, similar to the 2010-11 Bulldogs squad that was sorely missing the defense of Willie Veasley and Gordon Hayward, but thriving on the offense of Shelvin Mack and Matt Howard. 

While I feel that the Bulldogs would be a top two team had they stayed in the Horizon League for one more season, I project they will finish either 5th or 6th in the A-10, just because of the increased competition they will be up against, as well as being worn out from a brutal non-conference schedule.