Thad Matta signs two in first recruiting class since returning to Butler basketball

Butler coach Thad Matta signed his first recruiting class since returning for a second stint as the Bulldogs head coach.

Matta signed a two-recruit class featuring guard Finley Bizjack of Texas, and 6-11 big man Boden Kapke of Minnesota.

Bizjack is the highest ranked of the two recruits, earning a three-star ranking by 247Sports. He's the 25th-ranked combo guard in the nation and the 18th-ranked player in Texas, according to 247Sports. Bizjack chose Butler over offers from Alabama State, DePaul, George Washington and North Texas.

“Finley possesses all the things you want in a lead guard; he has a high basketball IQ, can run a team, and has great court vision,” Matta said via news release. “He’s a gym rat and that shows with how he shoots the ball. I saw him take five charges in one of his AAU games. Butler fans are going to love him, and I can’t wait to coach him.”

More:Butler gets commitment from 2023 Texas guard Finley Bizjack

As a junior at Byron Nelson High School, Bizjack averaged 25.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He led the team to a record of 24-10. He made a total of 77 3-pointers and shot 77% from the free-throw line. He had a high of 40 points and scored 30 or more in five other games.

Kapke earned a three-star rating from 247Sports but was not ranked nationally. Kapke chose Butler over several Power Five offers including Boston College, Clemson, Iowa and Iowa State.

More:Boden Kapke, a 6-11 prospect, is Butler's second 2023 commit

As a junior at Holy Family Catholic, Kapke averaged 27.2 points and 14.7 rebounds per game. He added 1.2 blocks per outing. He shot better than 60% from the field, including 38% from behind the 3-point line. He had highs of 43 and 40 points, and 24 rebounds in another game. He is ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the state of Minnesota.

“Boden is highly-skilled with a strong basketball IQ and court awareness,” Matta said. “He has a high-major frame. His versatility offensively — being able to score inside and out — will be important for us in his years at Butler. Boden has a bright future ahead of him, and we’re excited that future will play out in Hinkle Fieldhouse.”

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Butler basketball recruiting 2023: Finley Bizjack, Boden Kapke sign