Butler basketball guard Finley Bizjack has entered the transfer portal, he announced, and entering the NBA draft while maintaining his eligibility.
Bizjack entered the transfer portal after his sophomore season and ultimately returned to Butler. A second change of heart is unlikely, especially since Ronald Nored became the next coach Wednesday, which opened up the portal window for Butler players beginning Monday.
“First and foremost, I want to thank my family for all the sacrifices you have made to give me the opportunity to play this sport that I love,” Bizjack wrote. “Your constant love and support through this journey means everything to me.
“To my coaches, teammates, and the entire Butler University, thank you for providing me with guidance and support to reach this point in my career.
“To the Butler fans, thank you for all the love and support!
“With that being said, I am excited to announce that I will be declaring for the 2026 NBA draft, while maintaining my college eligibility in the transfer portal, to assure I make the best decision for my future.”
The 6-foot-4 guard broke out during his third season with the Bulldogs increasing his points per game from 10.3 as a sophomore to 17.1 this season, earning All-Big East third team honors. He topped 20 points 11 times and scored a career-high 30 points in a road loss to Providence. Bizjack led Butler in total points, 3-pointers and free throws.
The curly-haired fan favorite will be remembered for his ability to make the highlight-reel pass, shoot from deep and always playing with passion. As a junior, he utilized a pump fake to keep defenders off balance. Once his man was in the air, Bizjack’s ability to finish with floaters and push shots helped him finish over taller defenders.
Losing Bizjack is a huge blow to the Butler program. The Dawgs must replace its two best players in Bizjack and Michael Ajayi. Finding a player capable of scoring 20 points a night in the Big East is a tall task. Under since-retired coach Thad Matta and his staff, Butler made magic in the portal before, landing Ajayi and Jahmyl Telfort to be key pieces of the team. Now the Dawgs must do it again.
Bizjack joins former Bulldogs Jamie Kaiser Jr, Evan Haywood and Azavier Robinson who intend to enter the portal. The Field of 68 previously reported Jack McCaffery’s intentions to do so in a since-deleted post.
Jalen Jackson after meeting with new coach Ronald Nored decided to return. Butler was 5-1 in games Jackson played last season. The 6-foot-2 guard’s season ended after he reaggravated an offseason ankle injury, leading to surgery shortly before Christmas.
Nored also mentioned Jackson Keith was in attendance at his introductory news conference Friday, but no decision has been made to return, a source said.
Those whose intentions aren’t yet known and remain on the roster include: Kevin Ndzie, Bryson Cardinal, Ethan McComb, Drayton Jones, Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor and Keith.
