For multiple reasons, Butler’s expected inclusion in the NCAA tournament field announced Sunday should not be taken for granted:
>> The Bulldogs were once 3-6 in the Big East, 14-7 overall, with conference wins over only bottom-feeders DePaul and St. John’s. Butler (21-10) has subsequently gone 7-3.
>> It would have been unjust for seniors Roosevelt Jones and Kellen Dunham to finish their careers in the National Invitation Tournament after all they have done. This will be the third NCAA tourney appearance for both.
>> It affirms the university’s decision to step out of its mid-major neighborhood and transition to a power conference.