[2] The Bulldogs returned all but three players, including Chase Stigall, who was a part-time starter in 2011-2012, and Roosevelt Jones, who "was a top flight recruit and did not disappoint [with] 7.8 points and a team high 6.0 rebounds last season.

2012–13 was Butler's first and only season in the Atlantic 10 as they joined the so-called Catholic 7, along with Creighton and Xavier, in the new incarnation of the Big East Conference in July 2013.

Athletic Director Barry Collier explained, "Since announcing our intention to depart after 2012-13, Butler and the Horizon League have discussed the terms for next season.

"[4] ESPN reported the move was because the Bulldogs "weren't going to be allowed to play in the [Horizon League conference tournament] so the choice was obvious – bolt to the A-10.

[6] Regarding the team's potential success for the 2012–13 season, ESPN analyst Eamonn Brennan posited, "It's fair to expect a drastic uptick in perimeter efficiency from this offense, and the same baseline defensive strength.

"[7] Jon Rothstein of CBS New York noted "The Bulldogs are much better suited to make the jump to the Atlantic 10 with [Roosevelt Jones] in their starting lineup.

With brute strength and burgeoning point forward skills, Jones showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman, accumulating four double-doubles during the course of Butler’s season.

In addition to Kellen Dunham, ESPN listed Devontae Morgan as "a playmaking combo guard" and Chris Harrison-Docks as a "more prototypical point."

[13] In ESPN's scouting report, Kellen Dunham was listed as the 78th best overall player, due in large part to the fact that what he "does really well is shoot the basketball.

"[16] Finally, ESPN's scouting report lists Chris Harrison-Docks as "a tough competitor, dogged defender and unafraid of taking contact in the paint off penetration when driving into the lane for creative finishes" and further states that "He is a winner and the type of point guard you want on a championship level team.

Arkansas transfer Rotnei Clarke, who averaged 43 percent from 3 and scored 15.2 points per game as a junior, is eligible to compete this fall, and Indiana native Kellen Dunham is a top-100 recruit known for one trait above all else: prodigious outside shooting.

"[36] Clarke gave a "thumbs-up" sign as he was wheeled off the court en route to Miami Valley Hospital where it was confirmed he had a sprained neck, no fractures, and no spinal cord damage.