'13 TN SG Matthew Butler (URI - Signed LOI)

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rodfromcranston
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'13 TN SG Matthew Butler (URI - Signed LOI)

Unread post by rodfromcranston »

Matthew Butler - SG
From: Memphis, TN
School: Memphis East High School
Travel/AAU:

Image

Ht: 6'3"
Wt: 190 lbs

RANKINGS:
Rivals: NR
ESPN: 3 Star, 74 Grade, #50 SG in 2013
Scout: NR
247Sports: NR

OFFERS:
Rhode Island - Signed LOI 5/14/2013


Our newest recruit will be announced today.
He's a 6'2" 3 star SG.
Looks like a bigger Preston Murphy clone.
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Re: Announcement Today On SG Recruit

Unread post by ATPTourFan »

Awesome!!
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Re: Announcement Today On SG Recruit

Unread post by Andrew »

2013 or 2014?
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Re: Announcement Today On SG Recruit

Unread post by Rhody74 »

KMac just tweeted it: Kevin McNamara ‏@KevinMcNamara33 2m
Rhode Island has a late signee in 2G Matthew Butler of Memphis East High.
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Re: Announcement Today On SG Recruit

Unread post by Billyboy78 »

So is this a name that we haven't seen on these boards yet?
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Mathew Butler SG East Memphis High

Unread post by Little Chino »

Foster is on campus. The staff secured a commitment from Butler.
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Re: Announcement Today On SG Recruit

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Re: Announcement Today On SG Recruit

Unread post by rodfromcranston »

KMac rings the bell.
3 star late bloomer. Can really score, and shoot the 3.
More of a combo guard.
Rated number 9 in TN, which is a rich area for high school players.
NICE player!
Last edited by rodfromcranston 11 years ago, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Announcement Today On SG Recruit

Unread post by Rhodyhooopz »

like it. looks strong
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Re: Announcement Today On SG Recruit

Unread post by Billyboy78 »

Nice looking jump shot in that video. Gets good lift off the floor, even behind the arc, and good form...could be the shooter we're looking for.
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Re: Announcement Today On SG Recruit

Unread post by Rhody74 »

Just a tease since most of the story is behind a pay-wall, but it looks like he almost went Juco and URI came in late:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/20 ... artner=RSS
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

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and here's an interview..
Last edited by Billyboy78 11 years ago, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by ATPTourFan »

Love the look of his shot. Smooth, quick, and reliable.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

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Dave Telep ‏@DaveTelep 16m
Rhode Island did well for itself. Thought Matthew Butler was a baller; a guy that could get buckets. Nabbed him out of Memphis.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

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John Martin ‏@JohnMartinCA
Just talked to Memphis East 2013 G Matt Butler. Down to Rhode Island and Northwest Florida (juco). Visited URI last weekend.

This tweet was May 8th so I guess he visited two weeks ago.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by rodfromcranston »

A little odd, in that he's rated 3 star 74, and 9th in TN.
Wonder if there was an SAT/ACT score problem, and he straightened it out,
like Biggie Minnis did?
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by Rhody74 »

It'll be interesting to learn more about his recruiting. I haven't been able to find much on him recently and he didn't seem to have much D-1 interest. Wonder if he's alright academically? I can't imagine Dan taking a risky recruit at this point ....
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by rodfromcranston »

Maybe this helps:

"Butler, a 6-3 guard from Memphis East High, visited Rhode Island earlier this month and signed a letter-of-intent in the last few days, according to his coach, Vernard Watkins. Butler helped East High to the Tennessee state title in 2012 but a ankle injury limited his production this past season.
Watkins said schools like Georgetown, Memphis, Tulsa and Mississippi had recruited Butler when he was an underclassmen but he was looking at attending a prep school in 2013-14 before URI jumped in."
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

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rodfromcranston wrote:Maybe this helps:

"Butler, a 6-3 guard from Memphis East High, visited Rhode Island earlier this month and signed a letter-of-intent in the last few days, according to his coach, Vernard Watkins. Butler helped East High to the Tennessee state title in 2012 but a ankle injury limited his production this past season.
Watkins said schools like Georgetown, Memphis, Tulsa and Mississippi had recruited Butler when he was an underclassmen but he was looking at attending a prep school in 2013-14 before URI jumped in."
Awesome, looks like Dan steals another one!
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by Rhody74 »

Rod, that probably explains why there's not much out there. Bill Koch talked to Watkins and will post quotes on Twitter.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by Iggy1979 »

Looks like an under-the-radar guy as URI looks like the only Div. 1 offer. But I trust Dan and Preston to spot a kid with potential and then work with him. Doesn't have to play as a freshman really. And I think Hurley goes after a 2G for '14, too.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by rodfromcranston »

Coach claims Georgetown, Ole Miss, Tulsa and Memphis were recruiting him.
Was injured, but why would everyone just back off him like that?
I'm sure there's a story there, but I trust Dan and Preston.
Gives us a solid guard rotation for next year. He could be a designated bomber
in certain circumstances.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by Rhodymob05 »

Big name schools is what I was looking for to help me think this kid was legit, I'm liking this a lot
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

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Teammate of Top 100 SF Nick King who's going to Memphis.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by BFC »

Bill Koch ‏@BillKoch25 9m
#URI source also confirming receipt of Matthew Butler's LOI. #Rams have one scholarship remaining for 2013-14. #GoRhody

Bill Koch Bill Koch ‏@BillKoch25 10m
Watkins on Butler -- 'On the court, if I’m down one, that’s where I want the ball – in Matt’s hands. He'll deliver.' #URI #Rams #GoRhody

Bill Koch Bill Koch ‏@BillKoch25 12m
Watkins on Butler -- 'I think they got a steal – not just a great basketball player but a great guy. Matt’s character is unbelievable.' #URI

Bill Koch Bill Koch ‏@BillKoch25 13m
Per Watkins, Butler had offers from ETSU, UMass, Tulsa, Alabama, interest from Georgetown, Ole Miss, and Memphis. #URI #Rams #GoRhody
Last edited by BFC 11 years ago, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by rodfromcranston »

Bill Koch ‏@BillKoch25 4m
Watkins on Butler -- 'On the court, if I’m down one, that’s where I want the ball – in Matt’s hands. He'll deliver.'
Bill Koch ‏@BillKoch25 6m
Watkins on Butler -- 'I think they got a steal – not just a great basketball player but a great guy. Matt’s character is unbelievable.'
Bill Koch ‏@BillKoch25 7m
Per Watkins, Butler had offers from ETSU, UMass, Tulsa, Alabama, interest from Georgetown, Ole Miss, and Memphis.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

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ESPN Analyst (Insider)
Updated 05/01/2013

Strengths:
Skilled guard can play either positions out front but has a knack for scoring and seems more comfortable at the two now. Guards tend to be ahead of their larger brethren at this stage of high school and Butler is no exception. He can score in bunches and has a knack for penetrating and finishing with a tough angle or soft kiss off the glass. He rebounds well for a guard and can lead his own break for the score.

Weaknesses:
He is no more than a two dribble guy so his ball-handling will need to improve if he gets the opportunity to play some at the lead guard spot. He is also too good of an athlete to be an adequate defensive player, more effort on the defensive end would benefit him greatly.

Bottom Line:
Strong combo guard with good size and the ability to shoot the rock. Butler seems more comfortable playing at the two but has the ball skills to run the point in relief if called upon. He can shoot from deep and has enough size and strength to get to the rim despite contact and finish in a crowd.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by SmartyBarrett »

Rod and others had been saying all along that they were looking for a shooter. This kid seems to be it. Love how they stayed patient to get the right fit.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by rodfromcranston »

This staff is amazing, in their planning and the way they go about
recruiting.
Preston is a recruiting demon, and Dan closes the deal.
Murray will make us even deeper into the recruiting game.
I'm loving this!
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by Rhody74 »

It's nice to see that we're recruiting nationally, too. Michigan, Tennessee, Chicago besides NY/NJ/Philly .... now with Luke Murray on board, we'll have inroads to good New England kids.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by EasyEdBrown »

I was just about to say that. URI's recruiting base the last 10 years is what....Philly to Connecticut?

Preston grabbing his guys out of Michigan, and Butler out of Tennessee can only be a positive for the team.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by rodfromcranston »

Starting to look like keeping Preston on staff was Dan Hurley's best move
since he got here.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by Billyboy78 »

Anybody find any stats on this kid? I'd like to see his shooting percentages, especially from 3 and the free throw line.
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

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"He averaged 14.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game as a senior for Memphis East H.S., despite suffering from an season-long ankle injury. As a junior, Butler was a key contributor on the Mustangs 2012 Tennessee state championship squad, hitting 8-of-11 shots from the floor - including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc in the title game against Memphis Central. "

http://gorhody.com/sports/m-baskbl/2012 ... 05145f0r0w
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Re: '13 SG TN Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by SGreenwell »

Billyboy78 wrote:Anybody find any stats on this kid? I'd like to see his shooting percentages, especially from 3 and the free throw line.
You basically have to take all high school stats with a heavy dosage of salt, given how great the gulfs in competition are. You also have to figure in the statkeepers, which are oftentimes other high school kids. Raw stats like points per game and free throw percentage are normally fine, but anything with a judgement call (rebounds, steals, assists, blocks) are normally inflated at the high school level, and again, it's tough to compare competition level. Even juco stats are somewhat more standardized.
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Re: '13 TN SG Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by neil »

It's really great to see how our coaches go out and recruit. It reminds me of how "we found" Big O. They are doing their homework and it appears like it's going to pay off. Matthew - bombs away! Welcome to Kingston!
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Re: '13 TN SG Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by Seawrightspostgame »

"well my shot is kinda natural," I like that from the interview. He values education, sounds good. I take more of a wait and see approach with these guys that are unheralded.

Hopefully hes a key cog in a final four run some day.
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Re: '13 TN SG Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by Rhody74 »

Here's KMac's story in the deadtree version of the ProJo:

http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ ... w=ZW50aXR5
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Re: '13 TN SG Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by rodfromcranston »

Once more, McNamara fails to mention Oneykaba as a fall signee.
I really like what I'm reading and hearing about this kid.
We have become an East of the Mississippi recruiting school.
They've recruited from Florida to New England, and places like
Chicago, Detroit and Memphis.
Very impressive.
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Re: '13 TN SG Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by Iggy1979 »

I'm going to take a wait-and-see approach on this kid. He gives Hurley a shooter for next year, which was a need, but I don't know that he'd get on the floor before T.J. at the 2G. And I think Hurley tries to get a stud 2G for '14 when X graduates.
Kids who sign this late, and who don't seem to have a lot of options, set off flags to me. I trust Hurley and Preston but I'm not ready to say the kid is going to be a star.
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Re: '13 TN SG Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by ATPTourFan »

Also, Butler will need to improve his defense to get lots of playing time. TJ has defense as a core strength and was adding better offense as last season came to a close.

Still, will be nice to bring him to the floor to stretch a defense for periods of time. Hope he likes the Ryan Center's rims!!
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Re: '13 TN SG Matthew Butler (URI - Signed LOI)

Unread post by ace »

All he has to do is play his role- after last year, 12 actual players seems like an embarrassment of riches.
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Re: '13 TN SG Matthew Butler (Signed LOI)

Unread post by rodfromcranston »

Situational players are the boon of having a deep roster.
TJ for defense, and this kid for zone busting offense.
Nothing wrong with that.
We now have Powell, Munford, Minnis, TJ, Matthews, and Butler.
That's SIX guards for two positions.
To me, it looks like big men will be a priority next year, and another SG, since Munford is graduating.
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Re: '13 TN SG Matthew Butler (URI - Signed LOI)

Unread post by Iggy1979 »

Yes. Very deep roster. And playing time will be based on practice performance, game performance and match-ups.
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Re: '13 TN SG Matthew Butler (URI - Signed LOI)

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Re: '13 TN SG Matthew Butler (URI - Signed LOI)

Unread post by ramfan85 »

It's nice to have another Butler in the A10. Maybe this one will stick around.
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Re: '13 TN SG Matthew Butler (URI - Signed LOI)

Unread post by BCRhody03 »

Wasn't Bryce Cotton a late signing for PC?

Either way, this kid can shoot, which is a big need for this team. This is going to be a LONG summer!
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Re: '13 TN SG Matthew Butler (URI - Signed LOI)

Unread post by Bos8 »

Was he planning to go the JUCO route to increase his looks, or was he waiting on a late arriving test score? I know some guys who wait up until April or May for a test score. It seems strange that he was waiting for looks if he already had offers from other A-10 teams. Either way, seems like a solid addition.
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