Curly-Haired Butler Basketball Star Enters Transfer Portal
Finley Bizjack announced he has entered the transfer portal and will declare for the 2026 NBA draft. He will maintain his college eligibility while evaluating professional options.
Bizjack’s announcement
Bizjack thanked his family, coaches, teammates and Butler supporters in his statement. He said their support guided him to this career decision.
He called the move a step to ensure he makes the best choice for his future. The guard declared for the draft while preserving his ability to return to college basketball.
On-court breakout and profile
The 6-foot-4 guard posted a major scoring jump this season. Bizjack increased his scoring from 10.3 points per game as a sophomore to 17.1 as a junior.
He earned All-Big East third-team honors. Bizjack scored 20 or more points 11 times and posted a career-high 30 in a road loss at Providence.
He led Butler in total points, 3-pointers and free throws. Fans admired his curly-haired look and highlight plays.
Defensively and offensively, he used pump fakes and floaters to finish over taller opponents. His range and passing ability made him a consistent creator.
Coaching change and timing
Ronald Nored was announced as Butler’s next coach on Wednesday. That hiring coincided with a portal window that opened for Butler players on Monday.
The timing makes another return to Butler unlikely, sources say. The Bulldogs face important roster decisions heading into the offseason.
Player decisions and health updates
Jalen Jackson decided to return after meeting with Nored. Jackson was 5-1 in games he played last season.
His season ended when he re-aggravated an offseason ankle injury. He underwent surgery shortly before Christmas.
Nored also noted that Jackson Keith attended his introductory news conference. No decision has been announced about Keith’s plans.
Roster impact and portal activity
Losing Bizjack and Michael Ajayi would be a major blow. Butler must replace its two leading scorers to remain competitive in the Big East.
Finding a player who can average 20 points per game in the conference is a steep challenge. Butler previously used the portal successfully under then-coach Thad Matta.
Now the program needs another successful recruiting effort in the transfer market.
Other players in transition
- Players intending to enter the portal: Jamie Kaiser Jr., Evan Haywood, Azavier Robinson.
- Filmogaz.com previously reported Jack McCaffery indicated portal intentions in a since-deleted post.
Players with uncertain decisions
- Kevin Ndzie
- Bryson Cardinal
- Ethan McComb
- Drayton Jones
- Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor
- Jackson Keith
The curly-haired Butler basketball star enters the transfer portal amid a coaching change. The program now must address several departures and potential transfers.
