1 February 2024
EMPORIA (KSNT) – Senior Atavian Butler is powering Emporia State men’s basketball, both as a starter and off the bench.
Butler played in 31 games in the 2022-23 season and started only one. His role has skyrocketed for the 2023-24 season. Butler has started ten games, and he’s averaging 13.9 points per game. Even when he comes off the bench, it’s clear he brings energy onto the court.
Starting more has changed the way he approaches the game, according to Butler.
“My responsibility, being on the court a little bit more this year, is huge for the team,” Butler said. “Being more of a leader, helping the team see things that others don’t see, so I feel like my role changed this year for sure.”
Butler transferred from the University of Missouri- St. Louis. He is in his second year as a Hornet, and is learning to play to his natural strengths.
“Just coming out with there with a lot of swag, being myself, finding my shots, playing hard, doing all the things I know I’m good at,” Butler said.
Butler’s scored in double-digits for the past six games. He finished with eight points and four points the two games before the streak started, while he was recovering from a dislocated knee cap. Butler got hurt on Dec. 2 against Washburn. After recovering and rehab, he played again almost exactly one month later on Jan. 3. I took only two games for him to get back into his groove.
“It was a struggle at first, trying to get healthy” Butler said. “I had a lot of support, a lot of time to heal. I think that’s what built me up a little bit, knowing I had time to come back. I knew this was my last year, too, so I really didn’t want to miss it.”
Emporia State has its final two road games of a four-game trip at Northeastern State on Feb. 1 and at Rogers State on Feb. 3.