Team preview: Butler

Blue Ribbon Illustrated previews the 2004-05 college basketball season, exclusively on Insider.

Updated: November 12, 2004, 4:22 PM ET
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COACH AND PROGRAM

That Butler didn't live up to expectations last year really translates to this: The Bulldogs became a victim of their own success.

Any team that underwent such a mass exodus of starters and veteran reserves should have been expected to stumble. However, Butler had been such a machine -- cranking out 20-win seasons, come hell or high water -- it was widely assumed the Bulldogs would close ranks and march on without missing a beat. But after a 4-9 start that included an unthinkable 0-4 Horizon League start, it was obvious the Bulldogs weren't immune to a reality check.


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