Central Michigan University transfer Derrick Butler celebrates a hoop and a harm at Bowling Green State University’s first official practice on Sept. 23 in the Stroh Center. (Nicholas Huenefeld | Sentinel-Tribune)
By Nicholas Huenefeld
Special to the Sentinel-Tribune
One year into the Todd Simon era, the Bowling Green State University mens basketball program has high expectations.
“The energy and enthusiasm are off the charts,” coach Simon said after his team’s first practice last week. “This group likes basketball. They like working on their game.
“They were dialed in. They really embraced the challenge of what this first practice is going to be, which is a pretty taxing day, and they knew it coming in. They wanted to prove that they were up to the task, and they were good today.”
In his first season with the program, Simon led one of the quickest turnarounds in program history, taking the Falcons from a 20-loss season to a 20-win campaign, which included a Mid-American Conference Tournament victory for the first time since 2018-19.
BGSU also appeared in the CIT, which marked the program’s first postseason appearance since 2020-21.
“It’s night and day, honestly,” BGSU senior Sam Towns said. “I mean, what (Coach Simon) did here, just changing things around and bringing in good character guys who want to work every day, and bringing 20 losses to 20 wins … and this year, I can guarantee you it’s going to be more than that. I mean, it should be fun. It’s been fun, and we’ll have fun.”
While guys like First Team All-MAC selection Marcus Hill (NC State) and Second Team All-MAC Rashaun Agee (Southern Cal) transferred out, the Falcons aren’t hurting for talent as several talented transfers have joined the program.
One of those newcomers is Derrick Butler, a 6-2 guard from Central Michigan University. He finished third on the team in scoring last year at 10.7 per contest while starting the final 26 games for the Chippewas. He led the team in 3-pointers made (52) and field goal percentage (.416).
“There’s not a lot of double-digit scorers back in the MAC, Simon said. “He and Trey Thomas are two of them, which we feel really good about. (Derrick) is an experienced player. He gave us fits, and so when we had the opportunity to be a match for him and what he was looking for, we were pretty excited because he does fit what we can do.”
Trey Thomas, a senior who is in his second-year with the program after coming in from Vanderbilt, believes Butler’s experience in the MAC will also be a key asset.
“Just the way he attacks the rim, the way he shoots the ball, he’s going to be a great piece for us,” he said. “He doesn’t really have to get used to the physicality. He’s already played in the league, and he’s produced at a high level, so we’re excited.”
The Falcons also brought in several other transfers from four-year schools, including DaJion Humphrey (Arizona State), Youssef Khayat (Michigan), Wilguens Jr. Exacte (Utah) and Marcus Johnson (Wheeling University).
JUCO transfers Javontae Campbell, Preston Squire and Mohamed Maxamud also join that group.
Meanwhile, the return of Thomas is something BGSU fans can also look forward to.
The guard started 26 games last year, including every game Dec. 10 onward, while registering three 20-point performances. He led the Falcons in 3-point field goals made and scored in double-figures 18 times, while also finishing second in assists.
“I’m just trying to be a great leader, a great floor general,” Thomas said. “(My job is) to show guys what to do and what our coach wants. Last year, the transition was kind of hard coming from the SEC to the MAC and playing for a new coach and a new system. This year, I feel like I really got a hang of everything.”
The Falcons are slated to open the season Nov. 4 at Southern Miss before hosting Davidson Nov. 8.
