It is interesting to think that this will be Chris Holtmann's first full season as head coach for Butler following last season where he was, at first, the interim head coach following Brandon Miller's medical leave of absence.

While this is Holtmann's team, Brandon Miller's time as head coach is still feeling its influence in the program namely through two recruits who will be making their debuts with the Bulldogs this season.

Those two recruits are Sean McDermott and Nathan Fowler, both of whom were recruited while Miller was still head coach and the first two recruits to sign their LOIs. Through it all, both players said they wanted to play for Butler as the program was in the middle of Miller's absence and moving Holtmann up to the head coach spot.

When Nathan Fowler was recruited to Butler, it was due to the fact that his presence in the frontcourt would give the Bulldogs a sizable addition. At 6-foot-10, 250 pounds, the three-star recruit from Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio was easily a target of interest for the Bulldogs given his size and the additional depth he would bring to the front court. Fowler's abilities will be the perfect in pairing and rotating with Andrew Chrabascz, Jackson Davis, and Tyler Wideman. For Holtmann, Fowler's abilities present a terrific skill level and will have an impact from the moment he hits the court.

With his skills he was regarded as one of the best center prospects in Ohio. In his junior season at Moeller, he averaged 12.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. He also shot 66 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free throw line. Fowler was also an honorable mention All-State and Second Team All-District.

Due to his talents he attracted interest from Dayton and West Virginia, along with Butler.

Following his success in his junior season, his senior season was a setback as a foot injury early on in the season from what was believed to be from a stress fracture caused Fowler to miss the rest of season. He did have surgery on the foot and following surgery was slated to begin his career at Butler with a fresh and healthy step.

It should also be noted that Moeller High School was also the school where former Butler player's Alex Barlow and Mike Monserez played their high school ball. For both Butler and Fowler, it seems an ideal setup, as the Bulldogs went back to the well for a solid recruit and Fowler is coming into the program ready to hit the ground running.presne