With today's announcement that the Butler vs. Indiana game in the 2012 Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, I thought it would be an interesting to preview and compare both teams. I will be doing this by position.
Point Guard: Yogi Ferrell vs. Rotnei Clarke
While Ferrell is a young talented point guard with good court vision and scoring ability, the edge in this matchup has to favor the Senior Rotnei Clarke, who has proven himself to be one of the better scorer's in Division 1 basketball the past four years. With his point guard skills having improved after going against Ronald Nored in practice, Clarke will be ready to lead the Bulldogs this season, and certainly has the edge in this matchup. I am sorry I cannot say more about Ferrell because I have not really seen him play.
Shooting Guard: Jordan Hulls vs. Chase Stigall
It is hard to imagine someone who is only 6'0 at shooting guard, but Hulls is too good to be kept out of the starting lineup. His three point shooting is 20% better than Chase Stigall, and Hulls is a better ball-handler than Stigall. Stigall may have the edge on defense, but overall, Jordan Hulls is the more complete player, and will win the edge in this matchup.
Small Forward: Victor Oladipo vs. Roosevelt Jones
Both players have the ability to get to the basket and finish around the rim, so this is a very close matchup. Roosevelt Jones is a great rebounder for his size, but Oladipo is a great all-around defender. I am going to go with Jones on this one, but that could be slightly biased. Still, he is a better rebounder and a more physical player, which is a style of play that will be rewarded in this game.
Power Forward: Christian Watford vs. Khyle Marshall
While Marshall may be more athletic, Watford is clearly the more complete player offensively. He posses an inside-outside threat that Marshall does not, and has a significant height advantage on Marshall. This matchup should be won easily by Watford.
Center: Cody Zeller vs. Andrew Smith
While both are good rebounders who shoot a high percentage from the field, Zeller is the more physical of the two and the more agressive looking to score in the post. Smith does have the three-point shot that Zeller does not. Still, Andrew Smith will get worn out facing Zeller on a possesion by possession basis, and Zeller will prevail in the end in this matchup.
Sixth Man: Will Sheehey vs. Kellen Dunham
Sheehey started last year when Verdell Jones was injured, but I think he will be very effective as a scoring threat of the bench this season to allow for a three guard lineup. Dunham, like Sheehey has a great shooting stroke, but Sheehey has a height and significant weight advantage on Dunham, and two years of college basketball experience. While both have similar offensive skills, Sheehey's experience will give him the edge in this matchup.
Overall: While Butler can keep this game close for a while, Indiana has too much depth and talent to not win this game. I didn't even mention Maurice Creek, who was on the verge of becoming a star at IU before injuries derailed his career. My final score prediction is: Indiana 83, Butler 67.
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