What Thad Matta said about Butler basketball's additions via transfer portal, recruiting

Indianapolis Star

19-05-2025

There's been plenty of player movement since the end of Butler basketball's season in the inaugural Crown tournament. Thad Matta and staff have been active in the transfer portal as rosters continue to turn over year-over-year.
Butler has signed five players out of the portal so far, and its five incoming high school recruits represent the Bulldogs' highest-ranked recruiting class.
Here's what Matta said about Butler's roster additions:
"These past two seasons have showcased Michael's all-around game and potential. Michael led the WCC in scoring during his season at Pepperdine, and contributed to a high level of winning with a physical, defensive presence last season at Gonzaga. His impact on both ends of the court is a major addition to our roster for the upcoming season. Michael is a high-character individual who is going to be a great fit at Butler."
"Yame brings both experience and physicality to our program. He has the ability and willingness to guard multiple positions and rebound. Offensively, he is aggressive in getting downhill to both score at the rim and get to the free throw line. Yame will be impactful for us both on the court and in the locker room, and we're excited to get him on campus."
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"Jalen is a great addition to our program. He cares about winning and has the reputation as a player who works hard to improve his game. Jalen has the ability to score the ball in a variety of ways and also makes the players around him better. He's been incredibly consistent in the Horizon League and has posted big numbers against power conference teams."
"Drayton is a great addition to our program; he's a high-character young man who is excited about the opportunities Butler has to offer. Drayton is able to utilize his athleticism to protect the rim at a high level defensively and finish plays in the paint emphatically offensively. His best basketball is ahead of him and we're glad that basketball will be played at Butler.'
"Yohan is another significant addition to our roster and he's a great fit for the culture we continue to build here at Butler. He has experience playing in power conferences, and earned All-Big West honors as a sophomore. He attacks the glass, especially on the offensive end, and has the ability to score at the rim, facing up, and from three-point range. He has an imposing frame that will help our team defensively. It will be great to get him on campus soon."
'We're excited to add Bryson to our program. He's a talented player who has a high basketball IQ and a relentless motor on the court. Bryson is embracing the opportunity to develop his game and his body early on within our program. He's going to push us in practice from his first day on campus and he's a solid addition to both our program and our university.'
"Jackson is a very athletic wing who takes great pride in his defense. He can get to the rim and score the ball. His athleticism, physicality and defensive grit are going to translate well to college basketball beginning with day one."
"Jack knows how to play the game, just as you would expect from a coach's son. He's a big wing and multi-dimensional in how he can pass, shoot and make great decisions with the ball in his hands."
'Efeosa has represented Canada in international competition, won an Overtime Elite championship, and was one of the best players on the Under Armour circuit during the summer of 2023. He's a very mature young man who has great character. Efeosa arrives with a Big East body and a strong work ethic, and we're excited to see his game and skillset develop.'