Da'Sean Butler Makes Lasting Impression at Madison Square Garden

We heard a lot about John Wall and Evan Turner in college basketball. The way those two get publicity, it's like those two are the only stars in basketball.

That's the nice thing about conference tournaments—we learn about other players in March.

With March Madness starting this week, we will get to learn more about West Virginia's Da'Sean Butler. Butler made an impact in the Big East Tournament by leading the Mountaineers to three victories this week.

He did it again last night when he hit the game-winning shot to help the Mountaineers win their first Big East tournament ever.

It looked this game was going to overtime. Georgetown made a spirited comeback to tie the game. With both teams playing good defense, it was inevitable until Butler had the ball.

We shouldn't have been surprised.

We should have expected it.

The Mountaineers have.

His legend started Wednesday night when he hit the game-winning shot against the Bearcats. Huggins grinned with the satisfaction that his team beat his old employer.

Then, the senior led the Mountaineers to a comeback victory against Notre Dame last night.

It's not just his scoring that makes him good; he guards his counterparts well.

While people talk about his scoring, don't discount his ability to make his teammates better. He knows how to find his open guy.

He's doing all the things that led the Mountaineers to win. It's no coincidence the team wins when he plays well.

The team feed off from his energy and his play.

This is his last time as a Mountaineer. He wanted to create a lasting memory for himself. Being a New Yorker, it meant a lot to him.

Winning the Big East Tournament in front of friends and family was a good feeling for him. It's rewarding knowing how hard it is with facing many great teams in a span of several days.

To do this in the World's Famous Arena is something he will never forget. How could he?  It's any kid's dream to star in a game at the Garden and leave as a winner.

Many people can't say that. Not even the great players that played in this area.

He won't be content just winning the Big East Tournament. Like every great player, his goal is to win a national championship.

This is his final crack at it. He knows it. He has to hope that he can keep it going.

Shooters are streaky. When a shooter is hot, he knows the ball will go through.

If he is not, then he goes through a rut.

The Mountaineers need to hope he can continue to keep this up for three more weeks.

It's possible. Hot shooting can be contagious.

West Virginia has a shot to go to the Final Four thanks to Butler. Teams feature a star player to help them get there.

That's one reason why people like West Virginia.

What Butler done has been amazing, but we haven't seen anything yet. He knows he has a lot more to store. He can be part of a One Shining Moment coming up.

If it was a perfect script, he would make a game-winning play in the championship game.

It may just happen. We need to stay tuned.