Butler's Championship Run: Why you Shouldn't Surprised

Oh, the thrill of March Madness. A special time when the impossible becomes possible. When the gap between the majors and the mid-majors shrinks, and in some cases disappears altogether. While I must admit that I do love talking nonstop about spring-time Cinderella stories, I seem to be hesitant to place Butler in that category.

Thus far, the Bulldogs have made a run that has made spectators scratch their heads in confusion. Most of these people most likely couldn't find Butler University on a map, which raises the question: how has this team been so good? While nontheless a consistantly solid program, Butler is undoubtedly placed in the "mid-major" category, something that has people in awe when they watch the Bulldogs shut down Michigan State, handle Kansas State, and prevail against Syracuse.

The reason is, in my opinion, pretty simple. Butler is GOOD. Now, I don't mean Murray State or Northern Iowa, one upset good. I mean four straight NCAA tournament appearances good. In four short years, Brad Stevens has taken this team from a consistant conference contender to a conference-dominating powerhouse in the making. People wonder when this program will reach Gonzaga's level. This is laughable. In recent years, this team has surpassed anything Gonzaga has accomplished, minus a player of the year (yet).

With record of 118-21 at Butler, and a future first round draft pick in Gordon Hayward, Stevens doesn't act like he's new to the big stage. After Butler's defeat of Michigan State, he calmly strolled over to Tom Izzo and shook his hand. For Stevens, it seemed like just another day in the office. Another day, another high-seeded powerhouse beat. That confidence, along with Butler's structured, defense-oriented, selfless style of play, and the sharp-shooting of Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack, is enough to make Coach K and the Blue Devils worried.

CTB