Butler Bulldogs men's basketball

Competitive standing

Despite having played in a mid-major conference, Butler rose to national prominence in the 1990s. They ranked in most media polls for all but a few weeks from the 2006–07 season to the 2011–12 season, and competed in the postseason every year since 1997, except for 2004, 2005, and 2014. In the 2010 NCAA Tournament, Butler was the National runner-up to Duke, advancing to the National Championship Game after defeating Michigan State in the Final Four. With a total enrollment of only 4,500 students, Butler is the smallest school to play for a national championship since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. The Bulldogs also went to the championship game in the following NCAA Tournament, falling to UConn after defeating VCU in the Final Four. With the victory over VCU, Butler became the first mid-major program to reach the championship game in successive seasons since 1979, when seeding of the tournament began, and the only team from the state of Indiana to reach back-to-back championship games.

In 2013–14 season, Butler moved into the realigned basketball-only Big East Conference, shedding the mid-major tag and stepping into a power conference. Their first season was mediocre, finishing 9th out of 10 teams with a 14–17 record, their first losing record since 2004–05. In their second season, despite being picked to finish 7th, the Bulldogs surprised many by finishing tied for second place in the conference. Butler finished the 2015–16 season in a tie for fourth place in Big East play with a record of 21–11, 10–8 in conference and receiving a bid to the NCAA Tournament where they advanced to the Second Round.

Basketball community

Because of the school's history of basketball success, location in the heart of the land of "Hoosier Hysteria", and lack of a scholarship football program, the Butler University fan base is primarily basketball oriented. Other athletics enjoy substantial followings of current students and alumni, but only basketball has garnered interest from a national audience.

Two studies estimated that television, print, and online news coverage of Butler's 2010 and 2011 appearances in the NCAA tournament championship game resulted in additional publicity for the university worth about $1.2 billion. In an example of the "Flutie effect", applications rose by 41% after the 2010 appearance. In June 2011, USA Today ranked Butler as one of the top five colleges making use of social media. Specific to basketball, Butler's mascot, Butler Blue, the men's basketball program, head coach Chris Holtmann, and other coaches have university-endorsed Twitter accounts. Also, online communities BU Hoops, Butler Hoops, and /r/ButlerUniversity exist to facilitate discussion among fans. In 2013, a student-run podcast, called the "Front Row Hoopcast," was started to give commentary and insight to Butler Basketball from the student perspective.

In recent years, the Butler program has also received national attention for its philosophy to the game, which it calls "The Butler Way". At its core, The Butler Way calls for complete commitment and exalts teamwork above self.

NCAA tournament results

The Bulldogs have appeared in 14 NCAA Tournaments. Their combined record is 21–14.

*Following the introduction of the "First Four" round in 2011, the Round of 64 and Round of 32 were referred to as the Second Round and Third Round, respectively, from 2011 to 2015. Then from 2016 moving forward, the Round 64 and Round of 32 will be called the First and Second rounds, as they were prior to 2011.

NIT results

The Bulldogs have appeared in eight National Invitation Tournaments. Their combined record is 5–8.

CBI results

The Bulldogs have appeared in one College Basketball Invitational. Their record is 2–1.

Bulldogs in the NBA

NBA & ABA players who attended Butler University

Awards

Information on the awards comes from the 2009–2010 media guide.

Record

Record vs. Big East opponents

All-time leading scorers

Sources of information