Appleton West High School Alumni

Appleton, Wisconsin (WI)

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Brian Butch

Current radio color commentator for the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G League and former professional basketball player for the 2003 McDonald's All-American Basketball Team.

What is Brian Butch known for?

Brian Butch is a notable alumnus from Appleton West High School, in Appleton, Wisconsin. This American former professional basketball player was not just a luminary on the court but also a name to reckon with off it. Born on December 22, 1984, in Appleton, Wisconsin, Butch took his first steps in the world of basketball at Appleton West High School. Here, he was a two-time Wisconsin State Player of the Year, averaging 22.8 points and 10.1 rebounds as a senior. Having led Appleton West to a 23–3 record and the Division 1 State Championship game in 2003, Butch cemented his status as the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,431 points.

His prowess on the court earned him a spot on the 2003 McDonald's All-American basketball team, where he played with legends like LeBron James and Luol Deng. After high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison on a basketball scholarship where he attained the title of the First-team All-Big Ten in 2008.

Butch's professional career was marked by stints in numerous teams including the Jiangsu Dragons, Giants Nördlingen, Bakersfield Jam, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, and others. While his heartfelt commitment to the sport defined his playing years, his accolades stand testimony to his talent. He was named All-NBA D-League First Team in 2013, NBA D-League Impact Player of the Year, and NBA D-League All-Star Game MVP in 2010.

After retiring from professional basketball in 2017, Butch transitioned into coaching with the Wisconsin Herd till 2019. Beyond the court, he established a successful career in broadcasting, working as a radio color commentator for the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball and analyst for the Big Ten Network.

For more about Brian Butch's career statistics, check out his professional stats on Basketball-Reference.com.

To learn more about Appleton, Wisconsin, visit the Appleton City website.

For more about the University of Wisconsin–Madison, visit the university's official website.