At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, over one hundred players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and underrated, and today’s edition will highlight Solomon Butler of Mt. Zion.
We were able to see Butler multiple times at our Phenom Holiday Classic, where Patrick O’Brien stated, “2021 6’7 Solomon Butler (Mt Zion): Butler was their most consistent threat on the floor, using his length and wingspan to his advantage down low in the paint, being active in the paint, and showing good touch off the glass. Being the biggest prospect on the court, he found success in the paint for his team, bodied up defenders, and was active on the boards.” Which was later followed by, “Despite some struggles as a team, Butler continually found ways to make his presence felt around the basket. He’s a big, sturdy, mobile post prospect with solid rebounding instincts and the ability to alter shots around the basket. Butler ran the floor hard in transition and finished effectively within the paint.”
Since then, Butler has continued to be a staple for Mount Zion, especially given his size and overall presence as an interior piece for this group. He’s a big, sturdy big man with decent touch and fluidity. That being said, Butler has considerable upside remaining on both ends of the floor. He displays a solid motor and a willingness to pursue rebounds, block shots, and get involved however possible. Butler is a capable scorer but doesn’t require the ball in his hands in order to make a lasting impact. He also runs the floor hard in transition. Butler has received attention from various college programs and should ultimately be able to further his playing career at the next level.