6’7 Wichita East Big Aiden Butler Continues to Ascend

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the 16 and Under stories of this past summer was the play of [player_tooltip player_id='2814772' first='Aiden' last='Butler'] with [program_tooltip program_id='3474252' first='Team' last='One of Us']. The 6'7 forward/frontcourt player went from a talent that was in that top 25 area to being an All State 16 and Under first/second team player following the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Butler is a player with quality potential and the consistency is strarting to form!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"The 16 and Under season went really well," Butler explained. "I felt like I improved a lot throughout the summer, especially with my consistency, outside game, and confidence. One of the biggest highlights was winning the RecruitLook tournament in Kansas City. I also really liked traveling with my team to places like Las Vegas."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Butler was named first team all 16u for his circuit and Prep Hoops names Butler a second team all state player for 16 and Under overall which is quite an accomplishment. It means that Butler was in that 6-10 group for top performers in his grade all summer! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So what is next for Aiden?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I plan to spend time in the weight room working on getting stronger, my agility and increasing my vertical," Aiden said. "I want to work on my handles and shot in training sessions, and will also start conditioning with my high school team. I look forward to being a leader for that team as we prepare for what I think will be a great run at East."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East as in Wichita East! A team that was 15-9 last year and they return [player_tooltip player_id='2205722' first='Luke' last='Henderson'] and as well as Butler giving them two standout all state level players of different types. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But before we get to the winter, Butler has a fall of improving to do. And while doing that, college coaches will start coming to open gyms and making contact. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I'm mostly talking with NAIA and Didvision two programs in the Midwest," Aiden explained. "I've gone to a few elite camps the past few months and have been invited to work out with a few teams.  In my search, I'm also looking for a good school for academics as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I think there's a lot of programs I'm interested in, still keeping my options open. Earlier this summer I visited Colorado School of Mines, and I'm currently talking to Southwestern College, Benedictine, and Baker about getting on campus soon."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Those schools - and more - will be focused on Butler because he does bring some rare things to the court for bigs: size, consistency of effort, and a passion for competing:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I'd say I'm a physical forward who plays hard on both ends," Butler said. "I take a lot of pride in rebounding and rim protecting, but my offensive game has grown a lot too. I can score around the basket, step out and hit threes and play inside or outside depending on what the team needs."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye on this [program_tooltip program_id='3474252' first='Team' last='One of Us']/Wichita East standout, big things are ahead! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->