8 Still On List For Skilled Big Man

The internet was filled with rumors about Brian Butch, the outstanding big man from the state of Wisconsin. There was some speculation by fans and media members that Butch had narrowed his field down to three schools. "It's just a rumor," said his AAU coach Ritchie Davis. "I have five or six calls today about it. It's not true. He is not down to three schools. He still has eight schools on his list."

Butch had a great TOC in North Carolina last weekend. Butch visited the UNC campus and was then offered a scholarship by the Tar Heels. Butch, a 6-10, 215 pound forward from West Appleton H.S. in Appleton, Wis., has narrowed his school choice list down to eight schools -- Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Marquette, North Carolina, Stanford, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

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

Butch can spot up from just about anywhere on the perimeter, but he will need to add some strength and size to his frame in the coming months in order to prepare for the rigors of the high Division I level. Making Butch even more effective is his willingness to battle for every loose ball. "I am going to try and add about 20 more pounds to my body," Butch said. "This will help me become a more complete player."

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.