Jerald Butler called it a day on Friday morning by giving his verbal commitment to the Butler University men’s basketball program. A 6-foot-5 wing-forward type with great passing abilities and a unique blend of size, strength, and ball skills, there may not have been a better fit for the Florida native.

While he does not pass the looks test, Jerald Butler is someone that can play various spots on the floor and though he does need to get his body in line, that shouldn’t be much of a problem seeing just how competitive the Florida Vipers star is. Playing alongside other high-major prospects on the UAA circuit with his Sunshine State based bunch, Butler was the glue to it all. He displayed the ability to hit the catch and shoot jumper where he converted on 40-percent of his 3-point attempts, rebounded the basketball within tight corners, yet also led the break and playmaked in creating for others, something that could be put to work with such shooting presences as Sean McDermott and Cooper Neese sitting out on the perimeter.

There are going to be a lot of comparisons between Butler and a former star of the Big East program in Roosevelt Jones. Both had quirky games and bodies but both also were proven winners and competitors that could do a bit of everything on the playing floor, something that led the senior forward to his commitment on Friday. “They are known for winning and making it to the big tournament year after year and I know I will be able to compete with some of the best players in the world,” Butler said. “That’s something that I always wanted to do. They not only compete with the best but they also beat the best.”

Where Butler has become known for its culture and a high intangible set that each player that suits up at Hinkle Fieldhouse bestows, the infectious personality and leadership from the play making forward should be felt from day one as he spoke further on his commitment. “I chose Butler because everything felt right in my heart,” the Florida native told HoopSeen. “From the campus, to the gym, everything seemed so perfect to me! I really like the coaching staff there and I also like the players in the locker room, as well.”

The second commitment in the 2017 class, joining sharpshooting guard Cooper Neese, expect for Butler to remain in the hunt for at least two or three more options. They remain heavily in the mix for Jordan Davis, Alex Barcello, Christian David, and Wabissa Bede in the backcourt, along with forward options such as D’Shawn Schwartz, Anthony Gaines, Andre Rafus, and Kyle Young.