AN
Inside
LOOK AT
2010
BUTLER
-11
BASKETBALL Season Preview 4Men’s Basketball Coach Nored?
5
Junior Ronald Nored spent the summer coaching— something he hopes to do more often.
6Women’s Basketball Season Preview
7Women’s Basketball: The Next Step? What will it take for Butler’s women to take the next step and make it to the NCAA tournament?
8Men’s 2010-11 Schedule
9Meet the Men’s Team 10Women’s 2010-11 Schedule the Women’s Team 11Meet Graves Family
12
Three brothers have left their mark on Butler basketball, from their playing days to Matthew Graves’ transition to assistant coach.
13Beth Couture
Head coach Beth Couture on battling breast cancer, coaching through it and looking forward.
it Takes: Walk-Ons 14What 15Bulldogs in the News
Preview): Men’s Horizon League Outlook by jacob matthews contributing writer
The Butler men’s basketball team is looking to achieve another perfect season in the Horizon League. The Bulldogs separated themselves during the 2009-10 season with a spotless 18-0 conference record and a 33-5 overall record, which included competing for the 2010 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. The Bulldogs return three starters: senior forward Matt Howard and junior guards Shelvin Mack and Ronald Nored. Senior guards, defensive specialist Shawn Vanzant and three-point threat Zach Hahn, will look to continue making an impact off the bench. Butler has voids to fill after losing starters Gordon Hayward, drafted ninth overall by the NBA’s Utah Jazz, and small forward Willie Veasley. Butler also lost power forward Avery Jukes and guard Nick Rodgers to graduation. Butler hopes to fill these holes with big recruits, including freshmen forwards Erik Fromm and Khyle Marshall and freshman guard Chrishawn Hopkins. Butler faces two tough opponents on the road when it travels to Louisville and Siena before getting a rematch versus Duke on Dec. 4 at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bulldogs will then play at Xavier on Dec. 9, in what may be a heated game after last year’s game clock controversy. Only time will tell where Butler’s record stands at that point, but when 2011 begins, so does the Bulldogs string of 17 consecutive Horizon League games. Each team will be likely to bring extra effort when playing Butler. Wright State Raiders The Wright State Raiders are led by Vaughn Duggins. The 6-foot-3-inch senior averaged 14.2 points per game last year and led the Raiders to a 12-6 conference record and a 20-12 record overall. Wright State goes into the 2010-11
season with as many upperclassmen as freshmen, acquiring six recruits over the summer. The Raiders lost seniors Todd Brown and Cory Cooperland, the team’s second and third leading scorers, and starter Ronnie Thomas. They will look to avenge a loss to Butler in the 2010 Horizon League Tournament Championship game when they host the Bulldogs on Jan. 16. Green Bay Phoenix Green Bay returns starters Rahmon Fletcher and Bryquis Perine, its top two scorers, who led the Phoenix to an 11-7 conference record and a 22-13 record overall last season. They also add 7-foot-1-inch freshman center Alec Brown from Winona, Minn., along with two additional true freshmen and two redshirt freshmen. Milwaukee Panthers Milwaukee is rebuilding this season, returning only two of its five starters. The Panthers lost their top scorers in Ricky Franklin and James Eayrs. Franklin and Eayrs led UWM to a 10-8 Horizon League record and a 20-14 record overall. Returning senior Anthony Hill averaged 9.1 points per game, while senior Jerard Ajami pulled down 3.3 rebounds per game. Expect Hill and Ajami to look for help from freshmen recruits Kyle Kelm and Quinton Gustavson. Cleveland State Vikings The Vikings return all five starters, including senior Norris Cole, who led the Vikings to a 10-8 conference record last year. Cole will be accompanied by fellow senior D’Aundray Brown and juniors Jeremy Montgomery, Trevon Harmon and Aaron Pogue, rounding out an experienced potential starting lineup. Valparaiso Crusaders Valparaiso also has an experienced team entering the 2010-11 season, returning four of its starters. Seniors Brandon Wood and Cory Johnson led
the Crusaders to a 10-8 conference mark last season, averaging 17.7 and 15.6 points, respectively. Valparaiso will miss guard Brandon McPherson, who contributed big minutes to the Crusaders and was third on the team in scoring. McPherson will be replaced by freshman Jay Harris from Aurora, Ill. Detroit Titans Losing three starters, Detroit looks to build on last year’s 20-14 record. Seniors Chase Simon and Eli Holman return to lead the Titans. Simon led the team in scoring with 14 points per game, while Holman was a doubledouble threat in every game. Loyola Ramblers Loyola returns all five starters, hoping to improve upon a 5-13 conference mark. The Ramblers are led by seniors Terrance Hill and Geoff McCammon, and junior Walt Gibler, who each averaged double figures last year. They will also look to have freshmen Denzel Brimo, Chim Kadima and Jonathan Gac contribute. UIC Flames UIC returns three of its starting five this season, including senior guard Robo Kreps. Kreps averaged 15.2 points per game in helping the Flames to a disappointing eight wins. Key additions for UIC are freshman Shawn King and three junior college transfers, guard Daniel Barnes and 6-foot-9-inch forwards Dorian Tyler and Darrin Williams. Youngstown State Penguins Youngstown State looks to improve on a disappointing 2009-10 season, where the team finished 8-22 overall and 2-16 in conference play. Lone returning starter Vytas Sulskis will be accompanied by 12 new players for the 2010-11 season. Half of the new acquisitions are freshmen while the other half are junior college transfers. The Penguins will look for these changes to turn their program around.
Practicing for the future
Junior guard influenced by summer coaching job by megan schipp
mschipp@butler.edu | asst. a&e editor
Butler junior point guard Ronald Nored is used to making the shots, but this past summer, he was calling them. Nored spent his summer on the bench as the coach of the Under-16 Amateur Athletic Union Indianapolis basketball team, otherwise known as “Team Truth.” Nored’s love for coaching is not just the result of his current three-year stint under head coach Brad Stevens. This is Nored’s third year coaching and he now has an NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship runner-up title to add to his résumé. Nored said that he occasionally enjoys sitting on the bench more than playing. “I like it better as the coach,” Nored said. “I really enjoy how basketball works, putting schemes together and having to make decisions during the game. “I really figured out who I was as a person off the court.” As a junior, Nored has a while before his days of scuffing the floor of historic Hinkle Fieldhouse are over, but perhaps he may return in a different pair of shoes in the future. “To coach at Butler would be my dream job,” Nored said. “Hopefully, at some point, there will be an opening on the coaching staff.” While Nored’s “Team Truth” didn’t gain a national fan base, they did meet his goals of improving their basketball skills and building lasting friendships. Nored has kept in close
contact with his players and wrong and congratulate me. “It all took my mind off of has attended a few of their the presh i g h s u r e s school of the games tournasince the ment.” summer If the season p r e s ended. sures of News the toursources nament o f t e n ever got c o m to him, it mended Butler ’s Ronald Nored certainly c o m m i t - JUNIOR GUARD, BUTLER UNIVERSITY w a s n ’ t obvious. ment to T h e education during the NCAA tour- Bulldogs ended the regular nament, but what they failed season 28-4 and won the Hoto mention was Nored’ com- rizon League Tournament mitment to his AAU team title before making their run to the national championduring March Madness. “My team would talk to ship game. Nored may not have me about my games,” Nored said. “They would make fun Stevens’ calm coaching deof me for the things that I did meanor (he received a tech-
“To coach at Butler would be my dream job.”
nical during an AAU game this summer), but he does share in Stevens’ humility. “Yes, we were all over TV and got to do a lot of cool stuff, but the best parts were the people,” Nored said. “[Butler’s] campus got so much closer. The students loved being here, the professors loved being here. “It’s not that we didn’t love our school before, but the Final Four was a tool in increasing campus morale.” Nored’s plans for the future include coaching college basketball, but he is currently focused on this year’s run for the NCAA trophy. He said, “Our goals are not to do what we did last year but take the values that we learned, re-tool them and put them into work for this upcoming season.”
focused on the future: Junior Ronald Nored prepares to attempt a free throw during the 2010 NCAA tournament. Nored looks forward to a career in coaching after he graduates from Butler. (Photo by Rachel Senn)
Women look to take the by rachel brummer
rbrummer@butler.edu | guest writer
Butler head coach Beth Couture and the women’s basketball team are looking to take the next step in the 2010-11 season: earning a berth to the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball tournament. The Bulldogs were one game away from the top tournament last season, losing to Cleveland State 6657 in the Horizon League Tournament Championship game. Instead, Butler had to continue its season in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament for the second consecutive year. “We want to get to the NCAA tournament,” Couture said. “We’re at that point in our program where that has to be our goal.” Senior guard Brittany Bowen said she sees a trip to the tournament as not just a goal, but an expectation. “We’ve taken a step forward each year, and that is the next step,” she said. The Bulldogs have been working throughout the preseason to prepare for the upcoming year. Over the summer, the team participated in a conditioning competition they called the “Bulldog Battle.” During the competition, players split into two groups and competed against each other in eight events—the 200-yard sprint, mile run, bench press, leg press, chinups, push-ups, game shots and free throws. “It didn’t put us against each other, but it made us work hard,” senior forward Chloe Hamilton said. Bowen said that everyone was most focused on
being in shape. “[‘Bulldog Battle’] showed in our preseason conditioning that we were in shape both mentally and physically,” she said. The team’s five seniors are expected to take on leadership roles, and Couture said that the seniors keep the team focused and doing what is expected of them in the weight room and on the court. “When you have five out of 14, it’s hard for the other nine not to follow that lead,” she said. Three of the five seniors, Bowen, Hamilton and guard Terra Burns, are returning starters. Couture said the team will look to Burns, who has played point guard for two years, to run the offense.
Senior guards Azjah Bass and Alyssa Pittman are also expected to make an impact. “[Bass] will keep this team intact and keep them thinking ‘team,’” Couture said. “Then we have Alyssa, who can turn a game around with her three-point shot.” The Bulldogs graduated three post players, Susan Lester, Amie Kabara and 2010 Horizon League Player of the Year Melanie Thornton. “They made big plays, whether it was a big rebound, a big steal or a big shot,” Couture said. “We’re going to have to have other players step up and be willing to make those plays.” The Bulldogs will look to sophomore forward Becca Bornhost, who was injured for most of last year, as well
heads up: Senior guard Brittany Bowen attempts to snatch a rebound in a game against the Detroit Titans last winter. (Photo by Rachel Senn)
Step as redshirt freshman Dragana Grbic and freshman Sarah Hamm to take on things in the post. Bowen said she thinks the team has the talent and the players to replace personnel losses from last season’s squad. “It’s time for some underclassmen to shine,” she said. Hamilton said it is the team’s duty to pick up where the graduating seniors left off. “They left us with a golden opportunity; they prepared us for this moment,” she said. “We need to take advantage of it and play ball.” In addition, incoming freshmen guards Mandy McDivitt and Jenna Cobb are expected to contribute immediately. According to Couture, Cobb’s versatility and McDivitt’s three-point shot will help take the team to the next level. “It’s like we’ve reloaded instead of rebuilt,” Hamilton said. In addition to playing a strong mid-major schedule, the Bulldogs will take on South Carolina, Wake Forest and Notre Dame. Couture said the most important thing is for the team to keep everything in perspective. “Our 11 non-league scheduled games will not make or break us,” she said. “If we learn from our losses and our wins, I think we’ll be ready for league play. “That’s where our ultimate goals come into play.” The team opens its season with an exhibition game against Hillsdale at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Nov. 7 at 2 p.m.
Preview) : Women’s Horizon League Outlook by steven peek
speek@butler.edu | sports editor
As the Butler women’s basketball team looks to take its next step as a program by earning a berth to the NCAA tournament, the rest of the Horizon League teams will be making runs of their own. The Bulldogs and the other eight conference teams will look to dethrone the Green Bay Phoenix as the Horizon League’s premier team. Green Bay Phoenix Green Bay has been voted the preseason conference favorite. If this prediction holds true, the Phoenix will earn their 13th Horizon League title. Leading the team this season is senior Kayla Tetschlag, a Sheboygan, Wis., native who has been voted the preseason Player of the Year. Tetschlag led the Phoenix in scoring (501 points) and rebounding (214 rebounds) during the 2009-10 season. Joining Tetschlag on the All-League First-Team are teammates junior Julie Wojta and senior Celeste Hoewisch. Detroit Titans Detroit returns the 2010 Horizon League Newcomer of the Year junior Yar Shayok, who led the conferecne in rebounding (9.7 rebounds per game) last season. Shayok is among four returning starters for the Titans. Junior Jalesa Jones, who led the league last season with 5.1 assists per game, is another returning starter and will be back on the court for Detroit as a guard. Cleveland State Vikings Cleveland State enters the 2010-11 season as the defending Horizon League Tournament champions. Senior guard Shawnita Garland will return for the Vikings and joins Tetschlag, Wojta and Hoewisch on the preseason All-League First-Team. In 2009-10, Garland averaged 12.6 points and a league-leading 3.0 steals per game. Sophomore Shalonda Winton looks to continue being an impact player after averaging 6.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season.
2009-10, and Tucker contributed 7.4 points per game. The Panthers also return 2010-11 preseason All-League Second-Team senior forward Lindsay Laur. Last season, Laur averaged 13.4 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per game, both of which led the team. Loyola Ramblers Loyola has work to do in order to improve on their 200910 season, in which they finished sixth in the regular season and lost to Detroit in the conference tournament’s first round. The Ramblers return 10 letterwinners to take up the task. The most proficient among those 10 is senior Brittany Boeke, whose paint presence allowed her to average 6.1 points per game and 0.9 blocks per game last season. Wright State Raiders Wright State has a new head coach at its helm this season. Mike Bradbury will look to returning starter senior Ta-myra Davis, who as a junior averaged 7.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, to lead the team in his first season with the Raiders. Valparaiso Crusaders Head coach Keith Freeman looks to efficiently utilize Valparaiso’s three returning starters and six newcomers. Junior guard Betsy Adams is back after averaging 11.4 points per game last season. Youngstown State Penguins The Penguins have nowhere to go but up this season after going 0-18 in the Horizon League (and going 0-30 overall) in the 2009-10 season.
UIC Flames The final player named to the preseason All-League FirstTeam was UIC junior Jasmine Bailey, who led all conference players in field goal percentage (.583) last season. Sophomore guard Taylor Foulks also returns for the Flames. In 2009-10, Foulks averaged 7.8 points per game and also ranked in the top 10 for three-point shooting (.354 accuracy and 1.9 made per game). Milwaukee Panthers Milwaukee returns all but one starter this season, including senior guard Ashley Imperiale and sophomore guard Sami Tucker. Imperiale averaged 9.5 points per game in
coming through: Senior guard Terra Burns attempts to penetrate the Detroit defense during a game last season. (Photo by Rachel Senn)
Date
Opponent
Location
Time (Eastern)
Oct. 30 Nov. 4 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 23 Nov. 27 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 9 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 22 Dec. 23 Dec. 25 Jan. 1 Jan. 3 Jan. 7 Jan. 9 Jan. 14 Jan. 16 Jan. 21 Jan. 23 Jan. 29 Feb. 3 Feb. 5 Feb. 7 Feb. 10 Feb. 12 Feb. 15 Feb. 19 Feb. 26 Mar. 1-8 Mar. 15-Apr. 4
florida southern+ hanover+ marian at Louisville ball state at Siena evansville at Loyola* vs. Duke at Xavier mississippi valley st. stanford vs. Utah TBD TBD valparaiso* at Milwaukee* cleveland state* youngstown state* at Detroit* at Wright State* green bay* milwaukee* at Valparaiso* at Youngstown State* at Cleveland State* uic* wright state* detroit* at Green Bay* at UIC* loyola* Horizon League Tournament NCAA Tournament
indianapolis indianapolis indianapolis Louisville, Ky. indianapolis Loudonville, N.Y. indianapolis Chicago East Rutherford, N.J. Cincinnati indianapolis indianapolis Honolulu Honolulu Honolulu indianapolis Milwaukee indianapolis indianapolis Detroit Dayton, Ohio indianapolis indianapolis Valparaiso, Ind. Youngstown, Ohio Cleveland indianapolis indianapolis indianapolis Green Bay, Wis. Chicago indianapolis TBD TBD
2 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 8 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 8 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 9 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 11 p.m. TBD TBD 2 p.m. 8 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. TBD TBD 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. TBD TBD *Conference game + Exhibition game
USA Today/Coaches’ Poll 1. Duke 2. Michigan State 3. Kansas State 4. Pittsburgh 5. Ohio State 6. Villanova 7. Kansas 8. Purdue 9. North Carolina 10. Kentucky 11. Florida 12. Gonzaga 13. Syracuse
14. Baylor 15. Missouri 16. Illinois 17. Washington 18. Butler 19. Memphis 20. Tennessee 21. Georgetown 22. Temple 23. Virginia Tech 24. Wisconsin 25. Texas
Horizon League Poll 1. Butler (48) 2. Detroit 3. Cleveland State 4. Valparaiso 5. Milwaukee 6. Wright State 7. Green Bay 8. Loyola 9. UIC 10. Youngstown State
alex anglin
zach hahn
matt howard
Senior #11
Senior #3
Senior #54
grant leiendecker
shawn vanzant
garrett butcher
Senior #22
Senior #2
Junior #32
shelvin mack
ronald nored
emerson kampen
Junior #1
Junior #5
Sophomore #30
andrew smith
chase stigall
erik fromm
Sophomore #44
Sophomore #33
Freshman #4
chrishawn hopkins
khyle marshall
brad stevens
Freshman #20
Freshman #23
Head Coach
Date
Opponent
Location
Time (Eastern)
Nov. 7 Nov. 12 Nov. 17 Nov. 20 Nov. 26 Nov. 27 Nov. 28 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 12 Dec. 19 Dec. 21 Dec. 29 Jan. 2 Jan. 6 Jan. 8 Jan. 13 Jan. 15 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 27 Jan. 29 Feb. 3 Feb. 5 Feb. 10 Feb. 12 Feb. 17 Feb. 19 Feb. 24 Feb. 26 Mar. 5 Mar. 7-13 Mar. 19-Apr. 5
Hillsdale+ at Bradley St. Louis Ohio Dominican vs. Wake Forest vs. IUPUI at Notre Dame Indiana State at Evansville at Ball State vs. Coastal Carolina at South Carolina Bowling green* Valparaiso* at Wright State* at Detroit* cleveland state* youngstown stATe* at Loyola* at UIC* green bay* milwaukee* detroit* wright state* at Youngstown State* at Cleveland State* uic* loyola* at Milwaukee* at Green Bay* at Valparaiso* Horizon League Tournament NCAA Tournament
INDIANAPOLIS Peoria, Ill. INDIANAPOLIS INDIANAPOLIS South Bend, Ind. South Bend, Ind. South Bend, Ind. INDIANAPOLIS Evansville, Ind. Muncie, Ind. Hilton Head, S.C. Columbia, S.C. INDIANAPOLIS INDIANAPOLIS Dayton, Ohio Detroit INDIANAPOLIS INDIANAPOLIS Chicago Chicago INDIANAPOLIS INDIANAPOLIS INDIANAPOLIS INDIANAPOLIS Youngstown, Ohio Cleveland INDIANAPOLIS INDIANAPOLIS Milwaukee Green Bay, Wis. Valparaiso, Ind. TBD TBD
2 p.m. 3 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 2 p.m. 1 p.m. Noon 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 8 p.m. 4 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 7:05 p.m. 4 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 8 p.m. 3 p.m. 2:30 p.m. TBD TBD *Conference game + Exhibition
ESPN Preseason Rankings 1. Connecticut 2. Baylor 3. Stanford 4. Tennessee 5. Duke 6. Xavier 7. Ohio State 8. Texas A&M 9. Notre Dame 10. Kentucky 11. West Virginia 12. Georgetown 13. UCLA
14. St. John’s 15. Oklahoma 16. North Carolina 17. Iowa State 18. Michigan State 19. Florida State 20. TCU 21. Georgia 22. Georgia Tech 23. Texas 24. Vanderbilt 25. NC State (33. Green Bay) Rankings compiled by ESPN.com’s Charlie Creme
Horizon League Poll 1. Green Bay (26) 2. Butler 3. Detroit (1) 4. Cleveland State 4. UIC 6. Milwaukee 7. Loyola 8. Wright State 9. Valparaiso 10. Youngstown State
azjah bass
brittany bowen
terra burns
Senior #23
Senior #10
Senior #12
chloe hamilton
alyssa pittman
devin brierly
Senior #32
Senior #3
Junior #25
kaley may
becca bornhorst
claire freeman
Junior #33
Sophomore #20
Sophomore #2
elizabeth jennings
jenna cobb
dragana grbic
Sophomore #13
Freshman #22
Freshman #21
sarah hamm
mandy mcdivitt
beth couture
Freshman #50
Freshman #11
Head Coach
Graves brothers leave mark on Butler basketball program
grave danger: Former Butler star A.J. Graves is one of three Graves brothers that have played Butler basketball. (Photo from MCT) by Lance rinker
lrinker@butler.edu | sports staff writer
As a young boy, Matthew Graves recalls his father, Rick, taking him to the gym early in the morning before school and hoisting jump shot after jump shot for hours on end. This regiment, not an uncommon one in the Graves household, helped three sharp-shooting brothers make a lasting impression on Butler University and its basketball program. Matthew, the eldest of four Graves brothers, will be entering his eighth season as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs. From 1993 to 2008, Matthew and two of his brothers enjoyed successful stints as basketball players at Butler. The road that led them from Switz City—an Indiana town with a population of just over 300—to play at Hinkle Fieldhouse started at a young age. “My parents were big influences on us in all sports,” Matthew said. “That’s what we did as a family. Our summer vacations would sometimes be traveling and playing in AAU tournaments.” Growing up in such a competitive environment wasn’t always easy. An 11-year age gap separates Matthew from the youngest, A.J. “A.J. wasn’t allowed to play in our pick up games,” Matthew said. “I would play 2-on-2 with my brothers [Andrew and Mark] and my dad, while A.J. shot on a little basket to the side. “The closest A.J. ever got to us would be when his ball
would bounce on to our court. “We’d kick it down the hill and he’d have to chase it.” Matthew, 35, was a four-year basketball letter-winner at Butler, and helped lead the school to its first NCAA tournament appearance in 35 years during the 1996-97 season. During his tenure as a coach, he has helped Butler to a 16764 record including three Sweet Sixteen appearances and last season’s NCAA tournament runner-up honor. Matthew began coaching in 2001 under Todd Lickliter and has since been a part of seven Horizon League Championship teams. His brother Mark enjoyed a successful high school basketball career at White River Valley High School. Mark currently works in the family business, Graves Plumbing, which has been a fixture in Switz City for decades. Andrew, 32, works alongside Mark at their father’s firm. He followed in Matthew’s footsteps and played basketball at Butler from 1996 to 2000, helping the Bulldogs to three NCAA tournament appearances. Andrew’s career ended somewhat disappointingly, however, as Butler suffered a one-point overtime loss to eventual runner-up Florida in the first round. A.J., now the girls’ varsity basketball coach at his high school alma mater, played for the Bulldogs from 2004 to 2008 and led them to a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2007. He holds the Butler record for games started and games played. Just like his brothers, A.J. was a sharp-shooter, connecting on 303 three-point field goals during his four years at Butler. He finished third on Butler’s all-time career scoring list with 1,807 points. When A.J. was eight years old, Matthew began attending college. Due to the age gap, Matthew missed a large portion of his youngest brother’s childhood. “I didn’t really get a chance to watch him grow up,” Matthew said. However, while A.J. was leading the Bulldogs on the court, Matthew was leading them from the sidelines as an assistant coach. “To get those four years of being around him on a daily basis, I got a chance to get to know him even better,” Matthew said. “It is one of the highlights of my coaching career to this point.” Matthew, Andrew and A.J. were all Indiana All-Stars in high school at White River Valley, about a two-hour drive from Indianapolis. Their parents, Rick and Melonie, made it a point to come to as many of their sons’ college games as possible. Rick and Melonie instilled values and a work ethic in their sons that allowed them to prosper as both students and athletes. Today, the Graves name is entrenched as a part of Bulldog basketball lore.
Couture’s battle with cancer inspires team, coaching by billy klimczak
bklimcza@butler.edu | sports staff writer
Last year, she struggled to get back to the court. This year, women’s head basketball coach Beth Couture hopes to do so much more while she’s there. “My fight was to get back to them,” she said, referring to her team after being diagnosed with breast cancer less than 24 hours after their Women’s National Invitation Tournament loss to Marquette in 2009. “Honestly it was a surprise for me,” Couture said in response to the diagnosis. “In 2009, we had the best season we’ve ever had. “Obviously, we were disappointed with the end-of-the-season loss, but we had to feel good about where the
new focus: Coach Beth Couture watches her team from the sideline. (Photo by Rachel Senn)
program was going.” has changed since her return from cheThe unexpected news would hinder motherapy. most from leaving their bed. “I think our relationship is differ“You’re excited and then the next ent,” she said. “I think they really, truly morning you have a doctor’s appoint- see now that I’m a fighter and that I’m ment and your life changes,” Couture going to fight for them.” said. On top of the strengthened relaCouture on the other hand, refused tionships, Couture described a newlyto surrender to such found sense of a mindset. energy in her “Looking back, team. I think it was great “It has timing for me,” she been a unique said. “It was the offpreseason,” season and I didn’t Couture said. really have time to “Our freshtake vacations or men have relook back on the ally picked up Marquette game. quickly and fit “I just had to get in quickly. in fighting mode for “I feel that myself.” our freshmen And that’s what class came in she did. with the unStarting chemoderstanding of therapy less than 20 what our proBeth Couture gram had to days after the loss, WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH do to get us to Couture fought the disease with the dethe next step, termination similar and that’s to that of her players on the court. what made them come to Butler—to “It was tough,” Couture said. “There be a part of that.” were times I had to sit down and had With such a statement, there is little to adjust. doubt that the confidence gained from “Coming back this year, it was ob- Couture’s battle with cancer has been vious that the level of energy wasn’t recognized by the entire team. there for me. “What I see so far in the few practic“What I was going through just to es that we’ve had is our focus. They’re be out there was enough for me.” determined,” she said. Now, back and feeling better, it is With five seniors, all of whom have clear that Couture and the Bulldogs won more than 20 games each of the have made changes in keeping with last three seasons, and three freshmen, Couture’s fighting mindset when at Couture said she is confident in her work. squad. “Going through all of this, I do feel “I have no doubt at the end of the that I’ve made changes,” she said. “For day that they’ll do everything they can me, I just enjoy every day that I’m to get us to our next step and that’s to coaching or with the players. compete in the NCAA tournament,” “Another thing that’s important to she said. me is to not sweat the small stuff. The Bulldogs are picked to finish “I think it’s made me better as a second in the Horizon League precoach.” season poll behind the Green Bay Couture said she believes the team Phoenix.
“I think they really, truly see now that I’m a fighter and that I’m going to fight for them.”
Walk-ons play integral role in men’s team by courtney scott contributing writer
When you think of Butler men’s basketball, you think of Gordon Hayward, or the runner-up finish in the 2010 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship. Yet, what many fail to recognize is that Butler basketball is a collection of young men who create a team together. As the saying goes, “you are only as strong as your weakest link,” and this could not be more appropriate when describing the Butler men’s basketball program. Take, for example, Emerson Kampen—a junior center who redshirted his freshman year and is now back for his second active season. Kampen is a walk-on and his playing time is not guaranteed, but he said he is motivated by the challenge of top-level competition. Kampen received many other offers to play from other schools, but felt that Butler was the perfect fit for him. “Even though I could’ve gone to other schools where I would have received immediate playing time, I knew Butler was where I belonged,” Kampen said. Although he did not play during his first year, Kampen received additional time to train, watch and learn from his teammates and coaches. Alex Anglin, a fifth-year guard, is also a walk-on and joined the team his sophomore year. Anglin was also redshirted and is now entering his third active season. Anglin’s journey differs slightly from Kampen’s. He came to Butler for the academics first and foremost. His sister had attended Butler and it had been on his radar since his sophomore year of high school. After his freshman year, Anglin decided to give basketball a chance at the collegiate level. “I wanted to limit the amount of regret in my life,” Anglin said. “I had to give it a shot.” What has impacted Anglin most of
cheering on: Butler walk-ons Emerson Kampen (left center) and Alex Anglin (right center) look on intently during the national championship game in Indianapolis last April. (Photo by Rachel Senn) all are the life lessons that he has taken from his college basketball experience. “Sure, I have gained much stronger basketball skills and knowledge, but it’s the life lessons and values that will truly impact me when I leave,“ he said. In order to stay focused for this upcoming season, both players have personal goals. Those personal goals don’t focus so much on themselves, but are instead more about contributing to the team in any way possible. Anglin, who is entering his final season, is taking a different approach to these upcoming months. “We talk a lot about regenerative leadership,” Anglin said. “When you leave, somebody else is taking your spot. I want to do my part and leave a legacy for future Bulldogs.” Kampen said he also hopes to contribute to the team in any way possible.
“This has always been a dream of mine, to play at this level” he said. “Now it’s just about making it happen.” Kampen said he wants to maximize his playing time and produce quality minutes this year. He also wants to prove to himself and his coaches and that he is up to the challenge. Both Kampen and Anglin agree that this experience has been about so much more than basketball. Even though they haven’t been able to play as much as they might have hoped, they have gained a better set of life skills than they could’ve ever imagined. This Butler basketball team is more than a set of talented athletes: they are a family. “My teammates have kept me here year after year, and they are my driving force to try harder,” Anglin said.
Bulldogs in the NEWS Stevens’ eyes voted best in indiana
Bulldogs’ NCAA run subject of new woods book
Butler men’s basketball head coach Brad Stevens received yet another honor to add to his short career’s list. However, this time it has nothing to do with coaching or mentoring. Stevens received the most votes in the celebrity portion of Prevent Blindness Indiana’s “Most Beautiful Eyes” contest. The contest spanned the length of September, and Stevens took the lead from Indiana head basketball coach Tom Crean in the final week. Stevens was one of 14 celebrity participants, which included three other Indiana basketball figures—Crean (328 votes), Purdue head coach Matt Painter (205 votes) and former Bulldog and Utah Jazz rookie Gordon Hayward (215 votes). Other sports celebrities included Indy Racing League driver Sarah Fisher (40 votes), Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday (10 votes) and Indiana Pacers’ Pacemate Sarrah Williams (25 votes). Stevens’ 400 votes translated into $400 for PBI to put toward their operations. PBI’s day-to-day operations include conducting vision screening programs and certifying community volunteers to operate the programs.
David Woods, adjunct professor of journalism at Butler University, has written a second book about Butler men’s basketball. “Underdawgs: How Brad Stevens and the Butler Bulldogs Marched Their Way to the Brink of College Basketball’s National Championship” chronicles the Bulldogs’ historic season, in which they became the smallest school in 40 years to reach the NCAA championship game. Everyone knows how the story ended, but may not know the whole story of how they got there. Woods, who covers Butler basketball for the Indianapolis Star, tells that story in his follow up to last years’ “The Butler Way: The Best of Butler Basketball.” “Underdawgs” will be available from Simon and Schuster on Nov. 30.
Couture heads Weekend Fundraiser for breast cancer Women’s basketball head coach Beth Couture has raised over $7,000 for breast cancer research. Couture, a breast cancer survivor, walked 38 miles during The Weekend to End Breast Cancer—a two-day event that benefits the St. Vincent Foundation. Couture was chosen to give the welcome speech and closing remarks for the event, held Sept. 25-26, that brought thousands to the streets of Indianapolis. The St.Vincent Foundation provides support and grants to fund a wide range of hospital-related initiatives, all focused on helping those in need. From funding charity care to supporting the greatest needs for the Hospital at any one point in time, the St.Vincent Foundation depends on donor support. Nearly all donations benefit St.Vincent patients through medical research, education, technology, equipment, programs and services.
women’s team changes coaching lineup Two new faces will join the Butler women’s basketball team’s coaching staff for the 2010-11 season. The women added two new assistant coaches and promoted one coaching veteran after last year’s Women’s National Invitational Tournament appearance. Tisha Hill, a former head coach at Youngstown State, and Alex Webster, a former assistant coach at IPFW, will join Couture’s staff. Amy Cherubini, an assistant coach for Butler since 2006, has been promoted to associate head coach. The Bulldogs were 79-47 in Cherubini’s first four years on staff. Gordon Hayward debuts with Utah Jazz Gordon Hayward, the former Bulldog picked ninth in the 2010 NBA draft, began his rookie preseason with the Utah Jazz on Oct. 7. Hayward has played more than 15 minutes in all eight of the Jazz’s games thus far. He is averaging 22.8 minutes per game and scoring an average of 8.1 points per game. Hayward’s top performance came against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 17. He was eight-for-10 on field goals and 10 for 11 from the free throw line, ending the game with 26 points, leading the Jazz’s offensive efforts. Hayward recorded 33 minutes in that game, the most he has played in a game this preseason. Hayward has also started one game against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 14. The Jazz have won all eight of their preseason games to date.
Good Luck Bulldogs!