8 On List For High Major Big Man

FT. WAYNE, Ind. -- While he may have visited Arizona last week, it sounds like 6-10, 215 pound forward Brian Butch will take his time when it comes to making a college choice.

A product of West Appleton H.S. in Appleton, Wis., Butch told the Insiders Report/Rivalshoops.com that he does not expect to take any more official visits this spring, and will wait until the fall to make a decision.

Butch has a list of eight schools, including Iowa, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Kansas, Arizona, Stanford, Marquette and Tennessee. Of the lot, only three have yet to offer, he said -- North Carolina, Kansas and Stanford.

Stanford is expected to tender a scholarship offer once Butch goes through the admissions process at the PAC 10 power. Kansas and UNC are expected to evaluate Butch a bit more this summer before tendering the skilled big man an offer.

Butch visited Arizona from Apr. 27-29, and also has taken unofficial trips to Iowa, Wisconsin and Marquette.

With an extremely busy spring and summer staring at him, Butch said he will put the recruiting process on hold for the time being.

"I am not going to take any more visits until the fall," he said. "I am also not going to make a decision until the fall."

Butch is expected to attend the USA Youth Development Festival in Colorado Springs next month, as well as the adidas ABCD Camp and the adidas Big Time Tournament in July. He'll attend the latter with his Fox Valley Skillz basketball program.

This past season, Butch averaged 21 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks per contest.

What sets Butch apart from many of the top big men in the Class of 2003 are his skills away from the basket. He can spot up from just about anywhere on the perimeter, but he will need to add some strength and size to his skinny frame in the coming months in order to prepare for the rigors of the high Division I level.

Butch said he has a 3.76 GPA and scored a 20 on the ACT, marks that would easily qualify him under current NCAA standards for freshman eligibility. He plans on retaking the ACT later this spring in order to boost his score a bit higher.

We'll keep you posted on his recruitment throughout the spring and summer months and into the fall, so stay tuned.