Basketball

Meet Butler basketball roster: Breaking down the Bulldogs ahead of 2024-25 season

The 2024-25 college basketball season is fast approaching. With the constant changes brought by the transfer portal and one-and-done players, it can be challenging to keep track of your favorite team’s roster.

After a season of considerable roster changes, the Butler Bulldogs have welcomed five new players—three transfers and two freshmen—to join their seven returning players. With a total of 10 experienced athletes, this Bulldogs team is poised to compete effectively in the Big East.

Introducing the 2024-25 Butler Bulldogs:

  • Finley Bizjack, sophomore guard.

Bizjack was named to the Big East All-Freshman team following a strong first season with the Bulldogs. Standing at 6-4, the Texas native is a versatile combo guard who can score from all three levels, although he shot only 27% from three-point range last season. As a sophomore, he is competing for the starting shooting guard role and is adept at handling the ball, showcasing his ability to create plays off the dribble and in pick-and-roll situations, which also positions him as a potential point guard option.

Bizjack is considered a promising breakout candidate who could significantly improve in his second year under coach Thad Matta’s system.

  • Pierre Brooks II, senior forward.

Pierre Brooks joined Butler from Michigan State as a former top recruit and Michigan Mr. Basketball winner. After two quiet seasons with the Spartans, he proved his potential during his first year with the Bulldogs.

Brooks led Butler with an average of 14.8 points per game, scoring in double digits in all but four games and demonstrating his ability to score from all three levels. At 6-6 and 240 pounds, he is difficult to stop when driving to the basket and has the agility to finish in various ways at the rim. Additionally, he is an excellent spot-up shooter, particularly from the wings, and can become a significant threat from beyond the arc when in a groove.

Heading into his second season at Butler, Brooks appears leaner and has the potential to be an All-Big East performer. His combination of size and skill could also attract the attention of NBA scouts if he reaches his full potential.

  • Augusto Cassia, sophomore forward.

Cassia had limited playing time during his first season with the Bulldogs, averaging just 3.4 minutes per game. However, he demonstrated his potential as a high-energy defensive player, setting the stage for improvement in his second year. He struggled with injuries throughout his freshman campaign, missing the first 10 games of the season. In games where he did play, he rarely exceeded 14 minutes and often appeared for just a possession or two at the end of a half. Notably, he made an impact against Providence, where he recorded a game-sealing block after only one possession.

Standing at 6-8 with long limbs, Cassia is capable of defending positions 3 through 5. This season, he may be asked to play more as a center, which aligns better with his skill set than a perimeter role. Offensively, he isn’t a player around whom many plays are designed, but his ability to roll to the rim and finish lobs presents a threat that opposing teams must respect.

With an increase in minutes at the 4/5 positions, Cassia has the potential to carve out a valuable bench role for the Bulldogs.

  • Evan Haywood, freshman guard.

Haywood is a three-star guard hailing from Brebeuf Jesuit. During his senior year, he averaged 19.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 37.7% (78-for-207) from beyond the arc. Physically, the Carmel native fits in well with his older teammates. He is an excellent shooter from distance and possesses the speed to drive to the basket. With a mature mindset, he is expected to handle the challenges of Big East basketball from the start. He will join a competitive two-guard rotation and could see some situational minutes in his freshman year.

  • Jamie Kaiser Jr., sophomore guard/forward.

Jamie Kaiser Jr. is a former four-star recruit from Maryland who came to the Terrapins after playing at the renowned IMG Academy. Known for his shooting ability, Kaiser struggled at Maryland, hitting just 26.5% of his three-point attempts. A fresh start with the Bulldogs could benefit the 6-6 sophomore, as he brings the length and strength that Butler’s backcourt lacked last season. His presence should enhance the team’s defense, but he needs to improve his long-range shooting, especially after sharpshooter D.J. Davis transferred to Washington.

I anticipate that Kaiser will have the first opportunity at the starting two-guard position. If he comes off the bench, he could provide instant offense for the second unit.

  • Boden Kapke, sophomore center.

Kapke had limited playing time during his first season at Butler but demonstrated glimpses of his potential, suggesting he could take on a larger role as his career develops. As one of two true centers on the roster, the 6-11 sophomore returns with a more defined physique, which should help him compete effectively in the post against other Big East players. Although he averaged only seven minutes per game, he showed efficiency with 48.4% shooting from the field, 72.7% from the free-throw line, and 41.2% from three-point range. Kapke is a modern big man, equally comfortable shooting from long range as he is in the post.

He has the potential to become Butler’s center of the future, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he earned a spot in the starting lineup this season. At the very least, he will serve as a reliable backup big man who can step up when needed.

  • Kolby King, junior guard.

King started his career at St. John’s before transferring to Tulane. Last season with the Green Wave, he averaged 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, shooting 37.9% from three-point range. A confident deep shooter, King is comfortable taking step-back and contested shots. He excels in transition and can score effectively at the rim, despite being 6-2.

At Tulane, King primarily played as a scoring guard. With the departure of former starting point guard Posh Alexander (now at Dayton), King will need to step up as the point guard and lead the offense. He has expressed confidence in his ability to play that role, and the Bulldogs would greatly benefit if he succeeds early on. I expect him to have the first opportunity to start at point guard for Butler.

  • Colt Langdon, freshman forward.

Langdon is a 6-7, three-star forward from Raleigh, N.C. Initially slated to graduate in 2025, he reclassified and committed to Butler as part of the 2024 recruiting class, choosing the Bulldogs over LSU and Notre Dame. A left-handed shooter, he averaged 26.4 points and 10 rebounds during his junior year and is Millbrook’s all-time leading scorer with 1,758 career points. With several experienced forwards ahead of him, Langdon is expected to redshirt this season.

  • Patrick McCaffery, redshirt senior forward.

McCaffery is entering his sixth season of college basketball after playing for his father, Fran, at Iowa for the past five years. Standing at 6-9, he is a versatile forward who can play both inside and outside while also creating opportunities for his teammates. As a veteran on the team, he should thrive in whatever role he is given. He has a career three-point shooting percentage of 32.3%, making him a significant presence that defenses must account for from beyond the arc.

I anticipate he will start in a three-forward lineup alongside Jahmyl Telfort and Pierre Brooks. If Butler needs more size inside, Andre Screen could replace McCaffery in the starting lineup, or McCaffery might shift to a more traditional power forward position with Telfort and Brooks.

  • Landon Moore, junior guard.

Moore transferred to Butler last season from St. Francis (Pa.), participating in every game and making one start at point guard when Posh Alexander was injured. He arrived at Butler after establishing himself as a talented scorer in the mid-major ranks. Coach Matta and his staff were developing Moore to be their future point guard, and he is now expected to share the rotation with Bizjack and King, alternating on and off the ball.

Having added strength during the offseason should help Moore better absorb contact and finish at the rim. As a capable all-around player, he can also serve as a primary scorer when needed. I expect Moore to back up King at point guard while also contributing minutes off the ball.

  • Andre Screen, fifth-year center.

At 7-1, Screen is the tallest player on the team, but he brings more than just size. He has quick footwork in the post and a gentle touch around the rim. Strong enough to score against any Big East big, he also possesses good passing skills for his size and is agile enough to handle the ball.

Last season, Screen averaged only 12.9 minutes per game but was highly efficient in his limited time. With improved conditioning, he should be able to handle more minutes and has the potential to regularly score in double digits. However, his primary focus for improvement needs to be on defense; he must learn to protect the rim without committing fouls and avoid foul trouble.

I believe Screen could earn the starting center position or be one of the first players off the bench, offering essential rim protection and scoring in the low post.

  • Jahmyl Telfort, fifth-year forward.

Telfort is the quintessential all-around player and glue guy for Butler. He ranked second on the team in scoring, rebounds, assists, and free-throw percentage, and placed third in steals and blocks. Acting as a point forward, he excels at creating opportunities for his teammates and is strong enough to score in the paint with his back to the basket.

As a solid on-ball defender and veteran leader for the Bulldogs, Telfort is comfortable handling the ball in critical moments of the game. His knack for consistently making the right basketball decisions allows him to excel under pressure.

Telfort is expected to be a key member of Butler’s starting lineup. He should be in contention for All-Big East honors and is likely to pursue a professional career after college.

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