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ROUNDUP: BUTCH PICKS WISCONSIN

By Rob Harrington
robharrington@prepstars.com
October 30, 2002

Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan is flying high. After weeks of speculation surrounding prized recruit Brian Butch in which most observers predicted that the slender big man would choose either the Badgers or North Carolina, Butch announced for Wisconsin at a Wednesday press conference.

Butch's decision ended a day of did-he-or-didn't-he hysteria around the Wisconsin and UNC camps. Sources said on Tuesday that Butch had made his decision on Tuesday morning, but there was no confirmation until this afternoon's announcement.

Butch, a 6-11 C from Appleton (WI) West, chose the Badgers over the Tar Heels, Kansas and Marquette, after a fifth finalist -- Arizona -- accepted a commitment from another big man, Kirk Walters.

For Wisconsin, Butch is but one player who will help comprise a tremendous young nucleus in the Badger program. From the senior class, Bo Ryan's program also will welcome quick MN guard Kammron Taylor. But from the junior class, Wisconsin already has commitments from top-25 C Greg Steimsma and top-75 guard Michael Flowers. Butch will be surrounded by plenty of talent in Madison.

Here's an in-depth look at Butch's game, courtesy analyst Brick Oettinger, from the fall Recruiter's Handbook:

"This thin (217 pounds) scoring machine can be pushed around and isn't as dominant a rebounder or rejector (though he jumps OK) as you might expect, but he runs well when healthy, has sure hands, keeps the ball high, passes skillfully to open teammates and -- best of all -- can light up the scoreboard a lot of different ways. His high-release jump shot with backspin is pure to 20 feet, his post moves are quick and finished proficiently, and he hits soft jump hooks, too! Was slowed in July by a back injury but courageously played anyway."

FAMUTIMI TO ARKANSAS

After premature reports that he may have committed to Missouri after a weekend visit, Olu Famutimi is now solidly committed to Arkansas.

Famutimi, the top-15 WF/WG from Flint (MI) Northwestern, chose the Razorbacks over the Tigers, Memphis, and many others.

Famutimi obviously is an incredible catch for Arkansas coach Stan Heath, who now has a franchise player headed to Fayetteville. Famutimi is a sensational run/jump athlete who is a dangerous, if streaky, perimeter shooter.

Olu also has the potential to develop into a top-notch defensive player. He has good lateral quickness and the work ethic to consistently pester his man and force turnovers and bad shots.

Arkansas also has commitments from OK C Julius Lamptey and AR BF/C Vincent Hunter. With Lamptey, Hunter and now Famutimi, the Hogs have amassed what could develop into one of the SEC's top frontcourts.

RUTGERS GETS ALLEYNE

Rutgers received excellent news earlier this week when 7-3 C Shagari Alleyene announced for the Scarlet Knights over Kentucky, Pepperdine, St. John's and others.

Alleyne, whom we've tracked for the past few years, has improved steadily since debuting as an extremely awkward youngster in the late 1990s.

He isn't all the way there yet, but here's what Brick Oettinger had to say about he Manhattan (NY) Rice star in the fall Recruiter's Handbook:

"This long-legged insider has steadily gotten stronger (now weighs 255 pounds) but still needs more bulk. While his game (and especially his ability to run the floor) certainly has improved during the past year, his reactions remain less quick than they need to be, his hands are just fair and he's not much of a leaper. What he can do is score within 10-12 feet of the hoop (via dunks, jump hooks and short turnarounds), rebounds (he does a nice job of keeping the ball high) and block some shots, though not as many as he should reject. He's also a pretty decent free throw shooter."

AROUND AND ABOUT

St. John's has a commitment from Jon Williams, a 6-8 BF from St. Cloud (MN) Apollo, who chose the Red Storm over Miami and Minnesota. ... Note: Be sure to check out our (free) event calendar, which now displays all the major events in the coming months. We'll preview the biggest and be on hand for much of the action, of course, but If you have questions about the specific fields, then send a note to readermail@prepstars.com. ...