While his first season at Utah State had its fair share of ups and downs, he still put up solid numbers on the year with averages of 8.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. He hit on 43 percent of his shots from the field and 83.7 percent from the free throw line, despite leaving a little to be desired with a 30.3 percent mark from 3-point land. That aspect of things improved though as his junior year progressed, as did his contributions as a rebounder.
The next year is what really made him so memorable. In 2003-04, Butler led the team with 14 points per game, shot 48.5 percent from the field and improved to be a 43.3 percent shooter from deep. Above all else though, Butler's likeability was as high as just about any other player during that season. He played hard, he could play above the rim and was a key part of one of the best defensive teams that Stew has had. Basically, there was nothing to dislike about Butler and the rest of the team during the bulk of that season.
What really made Butler so memorable to so many people though was, in my own and many others' minds, one of the coolest moments of Stew Morrill's tenure at Utah State. On senior night that season, Butler completely went off on Cal State Fullerton, hitting 11-of-15 shots, 8-of-10 from 3-point range. He finished the game with 31 points in a blowout win, and as he was checking out of the game for his senior night salute, Butler went to center-court, got down on his hands and toes and kissed the floor.
That move just seemed to scream to everyone that he loved Utah State as much as Utah State loved him, and that kind of reciprocation is going to win over just about everyone!
A handful of highlights from that 2003-04 season, including Butler's final kiss farewell on senior night can be seen in this video, which is a nice little trip down memory lane these days.
While that season ended in brutal disappointment, it was still fun as hell during the ride, and Butler was key in making it so memorable.
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