New Butler head coach Thad Matta picked up a potentially important piece when 6’8 forward Ali Ali announced his decision to transfer in from Akron last April.
Ali, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining, is an Indiana native who earned All-Mid American Conference second team honors last season, while leading Akron in scoring (13.9 points per game), 3-point shooting (40.7%), and assists.
The Zips won 24 games last year, and reached the NCAA Tournament after taking home the MAC Tournament championship. A 13 seed, Akron gave UCLA a scare in the first round (57-53) before eventually falling.
In the video above, Ali and Akron gave #17 Ohio State all they could handle in an early season contest in Columbus. Ali scored 17 points on 6-11 from the field, 2-4 from distance, and 3-3 at the free throw line, and added three rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
He gave Akron a one-point lead with six seconds remaining by converting a four-point play. Ohio State would eventually counter with a score at the buzzer to take home the victory, but it was an impressive showing for Ali and Akron.
Friar Basketball will have more on Butler and the rebuilding job ahead of Thad Matta this weekend.
Highlights of Butler Newcomer Ali Ali vs. Ohio State