Stability is a wonderful thing. After a unique season of changing coaches, the Butler Grizzlies’ men’s basketball team is led by Bryan Miller.
“We’ve spent this preseason cultivating this team into what we think is a winner,” Miller said. “When you can get your kids you recruited to come and buy in, it’s a wonderful thing.”
There are 11 new players on the team that won 19 games last season, when the group made it to the Region VI semi-finals. Despite the youth and new faces, there is no lack of confidence or expectations from Miller.
“Our top group is as good as anybody in the country,” Miller said. “We can compete with anybody.”
Grizzly fans will be happy to know that Jacolby Harris, a medical redshirt sophomore, returns for a third season with the Grizzlies.
“I’m excited to finally get out there and show what I can do,” Harris said.
The Grizzlies will play like Vin Diesel, too fast and too furious. They will press teams full court, forcing turnovers and pushing opponents into mistakes. They will want to turn offense into defense. Just imagine all the slam dunks you’ll be leaping from your seat to celebrate.
“We want to speed the game up and play fast,” Miller said. “When we are in transition, we are very dangerous. We want to press and do what we do best.”
Other experience is returning to Butler. Will Adler, Semaj Hervey and Harris, will all see significant playing time in numerous roles. The three players all are deep threats and provide spacing necessary to a spread offense. Each player shot 42.3 percent from three-point range last season.
Miller secured LaJuan Hardy, a traditional point guard out of Houston, Texas, who wants to imitate his game after Magic Johnson. Powerhouses Karlon McSpadden, Ken Perkins and Antferene Adams bring star power to the Grizzlies.
Dallas natives LaDarrian Burney and Ketarrious Bouchum bring intensity to the table. Burney averaged 18.0 points per game in high school. Bouchum can put the ball on the floor and moves well without the ball.
“Ketarrious could be a very special player for us,” Miller said.
Then, there is Johnathan Lindsey. A freshman out of Southeast High School in Detroit, Mich., Lindsey brings immediate leadership to the team, even as a redshirt freshman. His voice is loud, carrying a weight unquestioned by his teammates.
This team of compatible players will now face a new season. The Jayhawk Conference is tougher and longer than ever. Each team will now play 26 conference games.
“This is easily the toughest schedule we’ve ever faced,” Miller said. “Night in, night out you have to bring your A-game. If you don’t, you’ll go home with a defeat.”
As the Grizzlies face their upcoming season, their preparation and dedication will get them far in this Jayhawk Conference.