The last time Joe Alexander and Da'Sean Butler were on the court together, they played Xavier in the Sweet 16 of the 2008 NCAA Tournament. Tonight, they have a chance to appear on the court together again, but this time as opponents.
Da'Sean Butler's Austin Toros play Joe Alexander's Texas Legends in the NBDL regular season finale for both teams. Last week, the San Antonio Spurs signed a fully healed Da'Sean Butler to a two year-contract, then promptly sent him down to their D-League affiliate for the remaining four games of the regular season. Joe Alexander has played a starring role for the Legends this season, ranking 2nd on the team in both points and rebounds. Both teams are battling for the 8th and final playoff spot in the NBDL Playoffs.
Butler has not played in his first three games with the Toros, but has been practicing with them since last Sunday. The Toros won a game against the Legends this past Thursday night, keeping their playoff hopes alive despite a huge game by Alexander for the Legends. Alexander scored 38 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in the contest. Butler did not play.
The game tips off tonight at 8:30 pm, while the rest of the nation is watching the 2nd half of the Butler/ VCU game. You can watch the game here for free: Texas Legends vs. Austin Toros.
WVU head coach Bob Huggins will be in attendance. He was in Houston for a coaches conference prior to the Final Four. I can picture Huggins in the stands with the other 150 people wearing a Toros windbreaker cheering for Da'Sean Butler rather than Alexander. It seemed to me that Huggins had a bit of a better relationship with Butler than with Alexander (see: picture above).
My guess is that Butler will see the court tonight since it is the final game of the season, and I imagine that the Spurs would like to see their newest acquisition in action at least once. If by chance you don't get to watch the game tonight because you're too busy doing something else (i.e.-anything), don't worry, we'll recap it for you tomorrow.