Get to Know an incoming recruit: Butler’s Christian David

Another year, another under-the-radar recruiting class for the Butler Bulldogs. Despite a notable coaching change, the Bulldogs are bringing in a really talented recruiting class as they transition into the LaVall Jordan era in Indianapolis. The centerpiece of the class may just be a versatile wing player from north of the border.

Christian David committed to play for the Bulldogs back in September of 2016 and chose BU over the likes of Creighton, Pittsburgh, Miami (FL) and Oregon.

David, who is originally from Ontario, went to high school at Vermont Academy and was playing extremely well until suffering a torn ACL in March of 2016. The injury hurt his ranking on many lists and thus he fell under the radar of some of the top schools.

Many schools still recruited David, but Butler assistant coach Mike Schrage was the one who helped get David to sign with the Bulldogs. Now that Chris Holtmann and Schrage have gone to Ohio State, Jordan and his staff receive the many talents that David brings to the table.

Let’s begin with his size.

David is listed at 6-foot-6 according to Butler’s website, although others list him at 6-foot-7. Regardless, the 6-foot-10 wingspan that he brings is very enticing for someone who can play both the guard and forward positions. The NBA size and length is there and will likely grow during his time in Indianapolis.

In high school, many loved David’s versatility, skill and basketball IQ. Some believe that down the road David could be an NBA player if he grows his game at Butler.

Butler’s coaching staff that heavily recruited David loved his shooting stroke and ability to stretch the floor. He can put the ball on the deck or pull up from downtown and that skill has been lacking at times for Butler. With Andrew Chrabascz graduated, David could develop into that type of player and has the potential to be even more valuable than Chrabascz which is saying something

According to the Fort Wayne News Sentinel, this is what Holtmann had to say about David when he recruited him

“Christian is a really cerebral, skilled, big wing that can really shoot the ball,” Holtmann said. “We needed to continue to find some wings that can come in and have an impact. We’re really excited about (Christian) and really excited about our class.”

Butler did lose a lot from a very good team a season ago including Chrabascz, Avery Woodson, Tyler Lewis and Kethan Savage. However, this recruiting class that Holtmann is leaving for Jordan could be very exciting as Butler prepares for the future of their program. If all goes according to plan, David should be a very big part of that future for the Bulldogs.

Remember that Kelan Martin, Kamar Baldwin and Tyler Wideman are back in the fold and George Washington transfer Paul Jorgensen is eligible to play this season. Add in this recruiting class led by David and Butler looks formidable once again in the Big East in 2017. The Bulldogs always seem to find a way.