Column: Scouting Butler

Who: Butler (3-2)
When: Sunday 7 p.m.
Where: Assembly Hall
How: Big Ten Network, IU Radio Network, live audio on IUHoosiers.com

Scouting Butler
Conference: Horizon League
Head coach: Brad Steven, fifth season
Last season: 28-10, National Runner-up
Leading scorer: Junior center No. 44 Andrew Smith, 12.6 ppg
Leading rebounder: Junior center No. 44 Andrew Smith, 6.4 rpg

Projected starters
G Jordan Hulls 8.8 ppg
G Verdell Jones III 10.8 ppg
G Victor Oladipo 12.8 ppg
F Christian Watford 10.2 ppg
F Cody Zeller 14.6 ppg

G Ronald Nored 5.2 ppg
G Christian Hopkins 12.0 ppg
G Chase Stigall 9.2 ppg
F Khyle Marshall 8.8 ppg
F Andrew Smith 12.6 ppg

My take

Four of Butler’s five opponents this season have also played IU, with far different results. While the Hoosiers steamrolled over Evansville, Chattanooga, Savannah State and Gardner-Webb, Brad Stevens’ squad fell to the Purple Aces in a controversial overtime loss and recently escaped the Runnin’ Bulldogs by just two.
Given these two teams’ performance thus far this season, I think IU wins this
game handily at home. However, the matchup to watch will be Cody Zeller vs.
Andrew Smith in the post. This will be Zeller’s first real test of the season I’ll be
interested to see how he handles the Bulldog’s leading scorer and rebounder.

Pick to click: Christian Watford
Bet to the campus: If IU losses, I’ll drink water out of a dog bowl.