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The Butler Bulldogs had a fiery start to their 2023-24 season, winning 10 of their first 12 games. However, the Bulldogs faded down the stretch and settled for an 18-15 record. Butler's stint ended in a 73-72 loss to Minnesota in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament.
Thad Matta and his men will open the 2024-25 college basketball season determined to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018 and be a top contender in the Big East Conference. Here's an inside look into Butler's 2024-25 campaign from its biggest games to the key players to watch this season.
Butler's biggest games of the 2024-25 season
Butler's nonconference schedule will feature a showdown against new ACC member SMU on Nov. 15 at the Hinkle Fieldhouse. This is the very first meeting of both teams.
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Two weeks later, the Bulldogs head to the Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, for the Arizona Tip-off. They will open the mini-tournament against Northwestern on Nov. 28 and play the next day against Mississippi State or UNLV.
Butler will be on the road again on Dec. 7 to face Houston in the Big East-Big 12 Battle. The Bulldogs hope to gain revenge against the Cougars, who beat them in their only meeting in Nov. 2021.
The following week, Butler faces Wisconsin for the Indy Classic. It is their third meeting, with the Bulldogs holding a 2-0 edge against the Badgers. Meanwhile, the full Big East schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
Top Butler players to watch out for in the 2024-25 season
#1. Pierre Brooks II
Pierre Brooks II proved this past season that he was worth the pickup from Michigan State. The guard jacked up his stats from 3.6 points and 1.7 rebounds per game with the Spartans in the 2022-23 season to 14.8 ppg and 4.0 rpg the following year with Butler.
Brooks will be the top offensive option for the Bulldogs this coming season as he hopes to lead the team in the cut-throat Big East.
#2. Jahmyl Telfort
Jahmyl Telfort delivered all-around numbers for Butler, averaging 13.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.0 apg and 1.0 spg last season. The incoming fifth-year senior had good shooting numbers, making 43.5% of his attempts from the field and 84.6% from the free-throw line.
Telfort will rekindle his partnership with Brooks as they look to secure an NCAA tournament bid after missing it this past season.
#3. Colt Langdon
Colt Langdon was a prolific scorer during his time at Millbrook High School. His 1,758 career points made him the school's all-time leading scorer.
Langdon averaged 26.4 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 1.7 apg and 1.5 bpg in his junior season with Millbrook. He was recognized as Conference Player of the Year two times.
Predictions for Butler's 2024-25 season
Butler will parade a solid lineup, bringing back last season's top two scorers Pierre Brooks II and Jahmyl Telfort. The dynamic duo is expected to lead the Bulldogs' attack in the Big East this coming season along with new players Evan Haywood and Colt Langdon.
Barring any untoward incidents, Thad Matta and his men could win 18-20 games in the 2024-25 men's basketball regular season and will be in the hunt for an at-large bid in the NCAA tournament.
Does Butler have the tools to make the 2025 NCAA Tournament? Let us know your views in the comments section.
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