Austin Butler leaving Holy Cross, enters transfer portal

Austin Butler plans to play another year of college basketball, but it won’t be at Holy Cross.

The senior guard from Latrobe who saw this season end prematurely when Holy Cross had to pull out of the Patriot League playoffs due to a positive covid test on the team has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Seniors have an extra year to play due to the pandemic, but Butler’s case is unique in that Holy Cross does not offer a post-grad program. He has to take courses to play basketball.

The team’s covid announcement expedited the process.

“I’m focused on finishing this season out strong,” he said before the Holy Cross shutdown. “But it’s a relief knowing I will have the option.”

Butler said Wednesday he is confident in his decision but will miss Holy Cross.

“Holy Cross shaped me into the person and player I am,” he said. “It will make be better for everything I’ve been through.”

Butler said he does not have a preference for a landing spot.

Could he end up closer to home for Year No. 5?

Butler’s father, Eric, played at Robert Morris. His brother, Bryce, is a sophomore at West Liberty.

Austin Butler, an All-Patriot League second-team selection, averaged 16.1 points and 8.7 rebounds this season. He had a career-high 30 points in what became his final game for the Crusaders, an 86-75 win at Boston University. He finished with 1,064 career points, averaging 11.4 in 94 games, 83 of which he started.

Excited for this next chapter ?? pic.twitter.com/lsTNIygyFZ

— AB (@austinbutler44) March 3, 2021

Competitor-Worker-Great Teammate are just a few words to describe @austinbutler44. It was a pleasure coaching you. You made a huge impact the past 4 years at HC. So proud of your growth and excited for what’s in your future! Thank you - Always family ?

— Brett Nelson (@Coachbnelson) March 3, 2021