Ritchie Davis, Fox Valley Skillz head coach, has always been a voice that has stated in the past that outstanding center Brian Butch, 7-0 and 217-pounds from Appleton West H.S. in Appleton, Wisconsin, is a special player. Davis is correct. It was Davis who first alerted many in the media about his player last spring.

What many found out, including RivalsHoops.com, is that Butch is one of the best players in the 2003 class and a top notch big man who is agile and skilled enough to score points from most places on the floor. What RivalsHoops.com liked the most about Butch was his desire and competitive spirit. Brian played hurt sometimes but always played hard.

Butch can spot up from just about anywhere on the perimeter. Making Butch even more effective is his willingness to battle for every loose ball. He isn't afraid to dive to the floor to get a turnover nor did he ever back down from bigger and more muscular defenders.

Butch certainly is going to have to add about 20-25 pounds to his frame to be a more effective player in the Big Ten. But this is a problem easily solved. Butch has the mental toughness and the competitive fire to be a great player on the college level.

Butch officially announced today he was going to play for Wisconsin. He has other offers from Kansas, North Carolina, and Marquette. Arizona dropped out of the race a couple of weeks back when the Wildcats landed their final recruit of 2003. Each of these schools saw Butch as a difference maker not only because of his size but because of Brian's intense desire to win.

Wisconsin fans are happy today. One of their own is staying home.