Emerson Kampen News

Anyone without a program Wednesday night at Worthen Arena, probably wondered, "Who is No.

Butler always features 3-point shooters, but is downright amazing how many are on this roster.

Quick thoughts and notes on today's Blue/White intrasquad basketball scrimmage: -- Does anyone still think 6-foot-11, 239-pound freshman Andrew Smith should redshirt? Granted, he did not have to oppose Matt Howard, who twisted an ankle in practice and was withheld as a precaution.

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: G Chase Stigall and 6-9 C Emerson Kampen are redshirt freshmen who both practiced with the team last season, making 6-11 freshman Andrew Smith of Covenant Christian High in Indianapolis the lone true newcomer.

Expectations are high as the 2009-2010 Butler Bulldogs look to continue their dominance of the Horizon League and progress further in the NCAA tournament after losing in the first round of the Big Dance last year to LSU, 75-71. The Bulldogs return everyone from last year's squad that went 26-6 and earned a No.

Even with this Butler basketball team, which is sure to be the first to be nationally ranked in preseason polls, there are questions: Is sophomore point guard Ronald Nored healthy? Will 6-11 freshman Andrew Smith redshirt? Will there be enough minutes to go around? All will be resolved in good time.

There are reasons to be very optimistic, but also pessimistic, about Butler's upcoming season.

Envy is considered one of the seven deadly sins. If true, then Butler symbolizes the Grim Reaper for men's mid-major basketball programs.

St. Peter's Basilica was awesome. That was the gist of what Butler coach Brad Stevens said following the Bulldogs' return to Indianapolis from Rome early Friday morning.

There goes the unbeaten season. Just kidding, folks. The Swiss national team's 76-72 victory over Butler on Thursday at Como, Italy, was the Bulldogs' third defeat in a row.

There goes the unbeaten season. Just kidding, folks. The Swiss national team's 76-72 victory over Butler on Thursday at Como, Italy, was the Bulldogs' third defeat in a row.

There goes the unbeaten season. Just kidding, folks. The Swiss national team's 76-72 victory over Butler on Thursday at Como, Italy, was the Bulldogs' third defeat in a row.

There goes the unbeaten season. Just kidding, folks. The Swiss national team's 76-72 victory over Butler on Thursday at Como, Italy, was the Bulldogs' third defeat in a row.

Butler's basketball Bulldogs have arrived in Italy, according to a "tweet" from coach Brad Stevens.