Is Butler Now the Mid-Major Team To Beat?

There's always been Gonzaga, and there's been Memphis recently. However, does Butler now belong in this group because of their Final Four run?

I know, one successful season doesn't make a team a powerhouse, but an 89-15 record over the last three seasons should.

In the last three seasons, since hiring Brad Stevens, the most losses Butler has surrendered in a season is six.

However, I know that I'm going to get a lot of criticism for putting Butler up high, so let me give you some stats.

In the last five years, Butler's record is 138-35. Gonzaga's is 132-36. Say what you want about schedule or anything like that, but the numbers do not lie.

With that said, Butler has something else that Gonzaga doesn't have: a Final Four win.

Even with Adam Morrison and Ronny Turiaf in recent years, the Zags have never achieved that milestone.

On the other hand, there's Memphis. For me, I don't see them being as successful without John Calipari. (I mean, John Wall probably took a pay cut declaring for the NBA draft.)

I know they have a top recruiting class coming in, and they will still be a talented team. With that said, though, I don't think the consistent national success will keep coming to Memphis with Calipari gone and it no longer being the premire point guard school.

Sure, Memphis had talent when they made a championship run with Douglas-Roberts and Dorsey, but wasn't Derrick Rose the straw that stirred the team?

In my opinion, yes.

Don't get me wrong, though, I know Memphis will still dominate Conference USA as long as they're there, but Butler will have more national success in the upcoming years.

With two of their biggest stars in Matt Howard and Shelvin Mack coming back, they have a possibility of another Sweet 16 or Elite 8 finish next season; not to mention another route of the Horizon League.

With Howard being their only Rivals Top 100 recruit on their Final Four roster, it looks as if their success can only continue.

For 2011, the Bulldogs have targeted three to go after; and Brad Stevens is one of the best at finding recruits that fit his system.

Overall, Butler's success will continue and is still growing.

The best is yet to come.

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