Palo Duro's Justin Butler

Cooley · August 4, 2005

August 3, 2005

Butler Played Role to a Tee

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TexasHoops.com Recruiting Staff

Every team needs its role players, and Justin Butler was willing to be that this summer for the talent-laden Dallas Showtyme squad. The tough 6-foot-8, 245-pound post from Palo Duro High School in Amarillo concentrated on manning the paint and hitting the boards hard, but also used his time to work on some individual aspects as well. It should all pay off in a D-I scholarship, as Butler is getting looked at by a number of schools - including one that could be offering soon.

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"AAU basketball was good - it was a good all-around experience," Butler said. "I was really disappointed that the last tournament (Best of Summer in Los Angeles) was canceled - we were 3-0 and we had a good chance of winning it. I just wish they had a backup tournament or something like that."

"But I did good in Vegas," he continued. "I stayed on the boards pretty strong. I mostly improved my defense this summer. I worked on my jumpshot too - basically everything about my game."

Schools came out en masse during the month of July to watch Showtyme, and while some coaches may have been there to watch some of the team's other players, several came away impressed with what they saw of Butler. "I'm getting recruited by North Texas, Louisiana Tech, Colorado, and Virginia called the house the other day," Butler said. He indicated that there are no offers yet, but one school could be close. "I think that UNT is scouting me pretty hard. They're a nice little team, and they've got Mike Sturns who used to play with me with Dallas Hoops. But I don't have a favorite right now."

There's one major thing that Butler is looking for in a college program, and official visits will be critical in helping him find it. He's hoping to get things started soon. "I have to get my SAT score back before I can take some visits," Butler said. "I just want to go where I can feel comfortable. It doesn't have to be close to home, but just somewhere where I can be comfortable in the environment."

Immediate playing time is not necessarily an issue. "I know they'll have scorers there already, so you can't expect to be the main guy," Butler said. "So I'll just play my role and wait until my time comes."

Butler noted that he may very well wait until the spring to sign. If that's the case, it will come after what likely will be another banner year for Palo Duro. "I think we'll be right back where we were last year," Butler said. "Except this time, we'll take it one step further."

Texas Hoops Analysis: Justin is a big-bodied paint player who is learning how to work in the lane. He has the size to take up space and clog the lane, will lean on you on defense, and can catch and finish in the paint. He is a nice rebounder, gets points off the offensive glass and runs the floor well for his size.

I personally would not offer Butler

-Cooley-

Cooley · August 4, 2005

August 3, 2005

Texas point guard pulls the trigger

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Adam Munsterteiger

BuffStampede.com

It has been a busy day for recruiting news in Boulder. Ricardo Patton and the men's hoops team picked up their second highly regarded prospect from the Class of 2006.

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Thorne committed to Colorado.

Arlington (Texas) Martin High point guard Dwight Thorne chose the Buffaloes over scholarship offers from Utah, Fresno State, Illinois State, New Mexico State, North Texas, SMU, Texas-Arlington, TCU and Toledo.

"Dwight just committed to Colorado," stated Martin head coach Jeff Plemon. "He talked to Coach Patton this afternoon and verbally committed to them."

"Colorado has been recruiting him since he was a freshman," he added. "They were in as much contact as they could be according to NCAA rules and they were very professional in recruiting him."

Thorne, who currently stands 6-foot-3, 185-pounds, has the ability to play either guard position.

The Buffs projects him to play point guard in Boulder.

"It is a great place for him to have an opportunity to have an immediate impact," said Plemon. "They are looking at him to possibility come in and start, if not, play significant minutes as a true freshman. He plans to take an unofficial trip there in two weeks."

The three-star prospect averaged 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game as a junior. "I think I handle the ball well and make good decisions," Thorne expressed. "I can get it done in most areas of the game. I also feel like I'm a solid defender."

"Dwight has just gotten better every year," Plemon said. "He is a very good shooter, he is a leader and he is very smart. He can run any offense you put in front of him.

"One area I really wanted him to improve on was strength and he has done that. He dedicated himself to the weight room. He is benching 210 now and is up to 185 pounds."

Hopefully this kid will get home sick!

- Cooley-