While most college coaches seek new practice facilities, Butler's Brad Stevens seeks more work in the advanced statistic realm.

"I'd probably create a statistics division," said Stevens.

Stevens uses numbers as a tool to prepare his team for games and evaluate their development.

"Almost everyone uses some of this," said Sam Hinkie, an executive vice president of the NBA's Houston Rockets. "He does embrace this in a way that differs from most."

Stevens has been frequently compared to A's general manager Billy Beane.

The Moneyball analogy is applicable in that the Bulldogs search for undervalued skills or prospects. 

"You're so competitive that you just want to find any little thing that might give your guys an advantage out on the floor," said Stevens. "And it's the way I'm built and driven. I really did enjoy the book 'Moneyball' when it first came out. I read it right away."

Stevens uses kenpom.com to begin his statistical analysis.

"He's obviously made my site more famous," said Ken Pomeroy, who has never spoken to Stevens.

Butler lost an exhibition game on Wednesday to Division II Northern State by a final score of 53-50. Northern State scored the final 12 points of the game.

Butler's weaknesses in offensive execution and shooting percentage, free throw shooting, end of shot clock scoring and overall youth and inexperience were on display in the game.

Nine of Butler’s 14 eligible players are freshmen or sophomores.

Andrew Smith had 19 points and eight rebounds in 30 minutes.