Observations from Butler's open practice: Posh at the point, a lot of capable shooters

The Butler men's basketball team held an open practice Saturday morning at Hinkle Fieldhouse giving fans their first look at the new-look Bulldogs.

The 2023-24 team features 11 new players (four freshmen, seven transfers) and three returners in Jalen Thomas, Connor Turnbull and John-Michael Mulloy.

Here are five observations from the open practice.

Posh at the point

St. John's transfer Posh Alexander gives Butler a steady presence at the point guard position. Alexander was a three-year starter for the Red Storm with 77 starts to his name. With so many new faces, having a veteran to run the show is key, and Alexander showed the ability to control the game with the ball in his hands.

The 6-foot guard is never out of control, always looking to set up his teammates or score when given the opportunity. When Alexander is in the game, he'll be the primary ball handler. His dribbling and explosiveness should help the 'Dogs combat full-court pressure, something they struggled with at times last season. Landon Moore and Finley Bizjack also spent time running the offense.

"Posh has been tremendous for us," Matta said. "His energy every day, his understanding of the game. You watch him play today, he didn't do a ton but he was getting everybody else involved. He thinks like a veteran does and I'm very, very excited. I love coaching him."

D.J. Davis, Finley Bizjack bring limitless outside shooting

Last season the Bulldogs finished eighth out of 11 Big Ten teams with 6.5 3-pointers per game and ninth with a .327 3-point shooting percentage.

Matta said one of his goals this offseason was to improve the team's outside shooting, and UC-Irvine transfer D.J. Davis and freshman Finley Bizjack put on a shooting clinic at Hinkle during the open practice.

Davis shot 40% from 3 each of the last two seasons. The California native has a quick release and seemingly unlimited range once he crosses the half-court stripe. Davis connected on a deep 3 from the left wing and another from the top of the key. The 6-1 guard can put it on the floor as well, driving hard to the basket, finishing with floaters and passing out to the perimeter.

Bizjack also has a reputation as a pure shooter coming out of Texas. The freshman looked comfortable shooting off of screens, pull ups and off the catch. It's too soon to project who will play where with any certainty, but a combination of Alexander and Davis would be an intriguing combination of playmaking and shot making.

Bizjack didn't look out of place playing against veterans, and he'd be a great fit as a primary scorer with the second unit. Pierre Brooks II and Connor Turnbull are two additional talented outside shooters who can help turn Butler's weakness into a strength.

Augusto Cassia, international X-Factor?

One player I was really excited to get a live look at was freshman Augusto Cassia. Cassia is listed at 6-8, and he might be taller than that. The native Brazilian has a sturdy frame and his athletic ability is eye-catching.

Cassia looked comfortable attacking the basket, using his burst to attempt dunks through contact. His shooting stroke looks clean from the outside, and he capably switched on to positions 1 through 5 defensively.

I don't know where he fits into the rotation, but his energy and athleticism would work well off the bench. And he has all the tools to be a stopper defensively.

The Dawgs are healthy

Last year, injuries plagued the Bulldogs so harshly that assistant coaches Jon Diebler and Greg Oden regularly subbed in as practice players so the team had enough bodies to run drills. Heading into coach Thad Matta's second year back at Butler, the Bulldogs are healthy and able to practice fully, giving them a leg up on last year's team.

"I was laughing with (trainer) Ralph (Reiff) the other day about how we had 14 guys for practice," Matta said. "I know last year we never had one practice with everybody healthy. So, knock on wood, that's been a good thing for us."

Several talented big men give Dawgs multiple lineup combinations

Returner Jalen Thomas is likely the only player with a set role. The remaining spots in the lineup are up for grabs, but the Dogs appear to be in a better position up front than last season. With Manny Bates battling injuries and John-Michael Mulloy missing the entire season due to injury, Butler's frontcourt depth was tested every single game.

Now, Bucknell transfer Andre Screen can provide a strong defensive presence down low. Connor Turnbull looks stronger and more confident after a freshman season where he showed flashes of offensive potential. Jahmyl Telfort and Cassia have the strength to play inside if the Dogs want to go small, and freshman Boden Kapke is another skilled big.

Turnbull's progress defensively is the only thing keeping him from a breakout second year. He's a matchup nightmare defensively, and his increased strength should allow him to hold up down low. Playing Turnbull at the 4 next to Thomas at the 5 or vice versa is another intriguing lineup combination.

Matta told Butler fans in attendance for practice that this team will be better than last year. With an influx of players from all around the globe, freshmen and upperclassmen, expectations are higher heading into Year 2 with Matta at the helm.

"Our expectations of player development can be a little bit higher and we need guys to play a certain way. We need guys to do certain things," Matta said. "Jalen Thomas had a couple plays a day of just straight energy that got his team baskets. He didn't get the basket, but his team got the basket because he had energy. Those are the type of plays that keep guys on the floor."

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Butler basketball: 5 observations from open practice