Despite last season’s historic run by Butler all the way to the NCAA championship game, there appears to be much more parity from top to bottom in the Horizon League in 2011-12. For Butler, the losses of Shelvin Mack and Matt Howard hurt even more than most are anticipating. Although they will not likely enjoy the same success this year, Butler should once again finish towards the top of the Horizon League standings due to their influx of new talent and the bevy of developing post players that they have at their disposal.   

That is not to say that they won’t be challenged though. Emerging Detroit Mercy is poised to give Butler all it can handle in Horizon League play. They return virtually everyone- including the coach’s son and Preseason Wooden Award Winner, Ray McCallum- from a winning squad with plenty of room for improvement. If Eli Holman can return from his leave of absence in time to gel with his teammates, then the Horizon League could conceivably earn two bids.

With that said, this season’s Horizon League will feature some intriguing talents. The following is a watch list outlining the league’s top prospects.

Ray McCallum, Detroit: Coming in as one of the most storied Detroit recruits in recent memory, coach’s son Ray McCallum Jr. seemed to live up to the lofty expectations and immediately provided leadership for a Detroit squad in desperate need of it. In his first season at the helm, McCallum was very effective at distributing the ball to his teammates. He finished 3rd in the Horizon League in Assist Rate. Further, McCallum was very aggressive attacking the basket and ranked 7th in the conference in Fouls Drawn and 3rd in Free Throw Rate. Look for McCallum to have an inspiring sophomore season, potentially leading Detroit to its first tournament appearance since 1998-99. And, if he is able to have the type of season that most are expecting, the accolades should follow- do not be surprised if McCallum earns the Horizon League Player of the Year honor as a sophomore.

Khyle Marshall, Butler: Marshall is the X factor for Butler this season. In fact, his squad’s success is going to ride on how well he can fill the void left by Matt Howard.  Marshall’s adjustment to taking on a larger burden in the Butler offense is going to critical, as he played a more limited role a year ago behind Howard and Andrew Smith. But, when he did receive some pivotal playing time in NCAA tournament action, Khyle produced. Against Florida in particular, he was able to utilize his considerable length and athleticism to disrupt on the defensive end and create extra opportunities on the offensive glass. (7 Offensive Rebounds)

Alec Brown, Wisconsin Green Bay: Standing at 7’1 and weighing in at 215 lbs, Brown is a rather intriguing prospect due to his physical profile. He can stand to add more girth even though his narrow frame will probably limit his ability to bulk up. With that being said, Alec Brown was very impressive in his freshman campaign. In fact, he immediately came in and broke Green Bay’s record for blocks in a season and finished 29th in the country in Blocks %.  Look for him to make a sophomore leap and improve on the glass, where he ranked 12th in the Horizon in Offensive Rebounding % and 9th in Defensive Rebounding % last year.

Eli Holman, Detroit: While allegations concerning Holman’s quick temper may detract from his future as an NBA prospect, how fast he returns from his leave of absence will determine how high Detroit can finish in conference. Offensively, Holman is extremely efficient shooting the basketball, posting a 60.7% Effective Field Goal %. He is also one of the more polished midmajor players on the glass, as he finished 24th in the nation in Offensive Rebounding % and 72nd in Defensive Rebounding %.

Andrew Smith, Butler: Smith was the most efficient offensive weapon in the Horizon League a season ago. And, with the graduation of Matt Howard, he should receive plenty of opportunities to produce inside. Andrew Smith is also excellent on the offensive glass, as he finished 5th in the Horizon in Offensive Rebounding %. Look for him to provide leadership for his youthful Butler squad.

Kendrick Perry, Youngstown St: Perry is a standout defensive option at the point guard slot that will likely make a name for himself in his sophomore campaign. In Pittsburgh’s Green Tree summer league action, Perry impressed with his performances against Ashton Gibbs and others en route to a championship. Look for him to catch scouts’ attention with his remarkable athleticism on both ends of the floor, and to have a breakout season for the Penguins.

Trevon Harmon, Cleveland St: With Norris Cole moving on to the NBA, Harmon should immediately take over as Cleveland St.’s go-to option in 2011-2012. And, if past numbers are any indication, he should enjoy some success in this regard. Last year, he ranked 4th in the Horizon League in TO Rate, meaning that Coach Waters can trust Harmon with the ball in his hands. Further, Harmon was an efficient scoring threat, finishing 10th in his conference in Offensive Rating.

Julius Mays, Wright St: NC State transfer Julius Mays is a combo guard who will likely provide some instant offense for Wright St from the get-go. With more playing time and opportunities, Mays should regain the confidence that he once had in his shooting. (44.8% from deep his freshman year) Moreover, look for him to take over Vaughn Duggins’ role and to become more of a facilitator.

Ryan Broekhoff, Valparaiso: After leading his Australia squad in scoring at the World University Games over the summer, Broekhoff is poised for a big year. Last season, he was one of the most efficient offensive players in the conference, finishing 2nd in the Horizon (52nd in country) in Offensive Rating. He also shot a staggering 61.2% Effective Field Goal % from the floor. On the defensive end, Broekhoff ranked 6th in the Horizon League in Blocks %.

Roosevelt Jones, Butler: Jones is the conference’s top newcomer, who is looking to replace the production lost in Butler’s backcourt. With Shelvin Mack entering the NBA draft and Shawn Vanzant graduating, Roosevelt Jones will have plenty of opportunities to produce on the wing. At this stage, Jones is a strong slasher that must improve his outside shooting. 

Ronald Nored, Butler: While he is not much of an NBA prospect, Nored is an extremely important piece for the Butler Bulldogs. He is their unquestioned leader and defensive anchor, known for giving opposing point guards headaches. If he can develop some semblance of a perimeter shot, he will likely receive looks from teams competing overseas.

Other Players to Watch

Ja’Rob McCallum, Milwaukee
Jarvis Williams, Green Bay
Chris Blake, Detroit
Chase Simon, Detroit
Nick Minnerath, Detroit
Jeremy Montgomery, Cleveland St.
Richie Edwards, Valparaiso