Butler Grizzlies Men’s Basketball Season Preview

It is a new year, with a new coach and a new team for the Butler Grizzly men's basketball program, who has high hopes to compete in the top of the KJCCC this season.

Head coach Kyle Fisher took over the men's basketball program in April and has been working nonstop trying to build a team that will compete at a high level this upcoming season.

After a 16-14 overall finish and 9-11 in KJCCC play last season, new head coach Fisher has high expectations for this program moving forward.

Butler returns only two players, Juwan White and Kamron Brice, from last year's roster, both of which were big contributors last season for the Grizzlies.

White appeared in 26 games and got the start in 23 games as a freshman and averaged 12.2 points per game while playing 26.6 minutes per game. Kamron Brice starting 16 of his 25 games played and averaged just over 10 points per game playing 22.6 minutes per game.

"We have two returners on the roster from last year, it was a complete makeover.  Although those two have been through a year in the Jayhawk, they are basically new as well.  We have 15 guys who are learning a completely different system.  We have a number of transfers who have played at high level schools – both NCAA Div. 1 and Junior College transfers.  So, having a number of older guys with quality experience is pretty valuable," said Fisher.

"The great thing about this team is we have a lot of quality depth. On any given night there are guys at each position who can contribute.  Having depth also helps with practice. Players know that they have to be prepared to play well each day or someone else will get the opportunity in game night," mentioned Fisher.

Effort and toughness will be the main focus for coach Fisher and his team this year hoping to build a team that works hard and competes at a high and consistent level night in and night out.

"This team has shown consistent effort and toughness," mentioned Fisher. "That is something you need to be successful in this conference. Effort and toughness will be a staple of this program moving forward.  We have some young guys who are still learning to how to play as hard as you have to in order to be successful, but I have been excited to see guys be able to respond in tough situations."

The Grizzlies have had some early season success in the scrimmages they have participated in and coach Fisher credits that to the quality practices they have had.

"We have had some quality practices this month– we have seen that carry over to success in scrimmages. I am not overly concerned with a wins/loss record in preseason.  It is only important to me that we compete every time we are on the floor, and that we continue to learn and get better.  So far, this group has embraced that competitive mindset," commented Fisher.

A home and home with Iowa Western and games against Moberly Area and State Fair highlight the non-conference schedule for the Grizzlies who went 7-2 in non-conference games last season.

"It will be a good tune up before we take on a tough conference schedule," said Fisher.

Butler will open up KJCCC play on November 26 on the road at Seward. The Grizzlies defeated Seward last season at home 60-53 before dropping their next three conference games.

"There are a number of quality teams in the Jayhawk Conference, especially the Jayhawk East. I really like our team and expect to be competitive every single night. We have high expectations for this program," said Fisher.

Head coach Kyle Fisher and the Grizzlies open up the season at home against Kansas Wesleyan JV on Saturday, November 2 at 7:00pm.