Jordan Butler looks to continue improvement heading into junior year for South Carolina
South Carolina men’s basketball’s frontcourt went through ups and downs throughout this season, much like the team. Even during the 12-20 season, players still grew their games on the court.
Sophomore forward Jordan Butler averaged 4.8 minutes in a minimal role over his first 21 games of the season. However, he saw increased minutes towards the end of the season.
“I was getting extra conditioning, extra running, extra stuff like that. And I think it helped me hone in on defense because I think defense was the thing holding me back, the physicality. Towards the end of the season, I really honed in on that,” Butler told GamecockCentral at the SEC Tournament.
Over the last seven games of the season, Butler received 14.3 MPG. That stretch also included the two conference victories for South Carolina. In that span, he averaged 3.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. That’s not starter-level on the surface. But on a per-40-minute rate, that’d rank fourth on the team in PPG, 3rd in RPG, and 1st in BPG.
Keep up with all things Gamecocks for just $1 for 7 days—lock in this special offer today!
Despite Nick Pringle entering the transfer portal, Collin Murray-Boyles having yet to decide on the NBA draft, and Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk being out of eligibility, Butler is intent on coming back.
Top 10
- 1New
Final Four game times
Tip times, TV announced
- 2
Johni Broome vs. UF
Auburn star updates status for Final Four
- 3Hot
Baseball Top 25 projection
More shakeup coming
- 4
Auburn vs. Florida odds
Opening line set for Final Four matchup
- 5
Jay Bilas calls out
Reaction to Willard hiring
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
“For sure,” Butler said when asked about his plans to return to the program next year.
The South Carolina native started his career at Missouri as a top-100 recruit nationally, per the On3 rankings. He didn’t see a consistent role with the Tigers despite an 8-24 record for Missouri in 2023-24. Butler averaged 2.0 PPG, 1.9 RPG, and 0.1 APG as a freshman.
Even in a limited role, Butler made a difference for the Gamecocks. His ability to shoot the ball at seven feet tall opened up lanes for the South Carolina offense. Drawing opponents to the three-point line allowed Murray-Boyles and Pringle to break double-teams.
“With guys like Collin, it gives them space to cook because guys aren’t hopping off me, and if they do, I’ll hit the shot,” he said. “So it just spaces the floor out very well.”
Entering a pivotal year for South Carolina basketball, Butler’s continued improvements will be something to watch out for on the court.
