
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 18, 2021; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Jared Butler (12) reacts to a made basket in the closing moments of the game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 18, 2021; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Jared Butler (12) reacts to a made basket in the closing moments of the game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
The Baylor Bears continued to make their presence felt in the NCAA as they trounced the Kansas Jayhawks. It was a statement win for them, and the star of the show was junior guard Jared Butler.
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He had 30 points while shooting 10-14 from the field and 7-9 from three. Along with this efficient shooting display, he also had 8 assists and ran the Bears’ offense.
There was no stopping Butler as he entered history books by being the only player in Division 1 along with Kevin Durant to have multiple 30 point games against Kansas.
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Jared Butler when he sees Kansas on the schedule. pic.twitter.com/ystsh2wUn5
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) January 19, 2021
It was a brilliant show of shot-making and also shot-creating from the young guard. His drives to the rim were dangerous, and he split the Kansas defense on multiple occasions to finish at the rim. Butler also had no qualms about shooting from deep range and casually sunk those three-pointers.
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Is Baylor Bears star Jared Butler a frontrunner for the National Player of the Year?
In his first 2 seasons at Baylor, Butler shot less efficiently and was just a decent playmaker. This season, he has been the opposite.
He is currently shooting 45% from three for the season and is also averaging an impressive 5.4 assists per game. His steals have also shot up, and he is currently averaging 2.5 per game.
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This season, with his playmaking, Butler has added a new dimension to his offense, and this has been key to the Bears’ form so far.
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He is leading their offense and has taken them to a 13-0 start to the season. The Gonzaga Bulldogs are cruising at 13-0 as well, but Butler and the Bears are closely keeping up.

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 21, 2020; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Jared Butler (12) and forward Zach Loveday (32) slap hands after a made basket against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions during the second half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
So Butler could be a frontrunner for the National Player of the Year award if the Bears can continue this run. He withdrew his name from the draft to help the Bears win the NCAA title, and so far, he is doing everything right in that quest.
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It will be interesting to see where he lands in the NBA Draft. Will the NBA scouts be repelled by his age, or will they go based on his ability strictly? He has the potential to be a solid combo-guard for any team, and can definitely be a steal.
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