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Neese part of top all-time recruit class at Butler
INDIANAPOLIS — Chris Holtmann and his staff landed the highest-rated recruiting class in Butler history as four talented student-athletes signed their national letters of intent this week. The quartet includes Jerald Butler (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Christian David (Milton, Ontario), Cooper Neese (Cloverdale, Ind.), and Kyle Young (Canton, Ohio). The class is a consensus Top 25 recruiting class nationally, ranking as high as No. 11 in select listings.
“We are obviously very excited about this incoming class,” said Holtmann, who enters his third season as head coach. “To continue to compete in the BIG EAST Conference, and at the highest level nationally, we must build our roster with consecutive quality recruiting classes that fit our program, and this group of young men fit that description. These are high-character individuals who appreciate Butler’s educational opportunities, our history, and our culture.
“On the court, this group is very versatile and skilled, and they value winning. The entire staff did an excellent job of evaluating and prioritizing this group. We’re excited for the impact they are going to have on our program in future years.”
Butler is a 6-4 guard who will play at Calvary Christian Academy this season after starring at Westminster Academy previously.
David is a 6-7 guard/forward who plays at Vermont Academy, which captured its first New England Prep School Athletic Council title in 2016.
Neese is a 6-4 guard from Cloverdale. He has led his high school team to a 60-16 record and two sectional championships. Neese’s Cloverdale High School also produced Chad Tucker, Butler’s all-time leading scorer.
Young is nationally-rated 82nd by 247 Sports, 84th by Scout, 89th by ESPN, and 109th by Rivals. He is regarded as the No. 3 player in Ohio.
All four will arrive at Butler over the summer and compete for the Bulldogs starting with the 2017-18 season.
Holtmann and the Bulldogs begin the 2016-17 regular season Saturday, hosting Northern Colorado at 7:30 p.m.