The first time I had the privilege of watching De’Sean Butler play basketball is a moment I won’t soon forget. Unfortunately, neither will be my memory of the last time I saw him play. The first time was years ago at Bloomfield Tech, where he stood out to the point where I pegged him as a future NBA prospect. The last was far more obvious, and gladly, my prediction turned out incorrect. When De’Sean Butler tore his MCL and sprained his ACL during the 2010 Final Four, I thought there was little chance he would be selected in the NBA Draft.

After what was a speedy, yet probably never ending, recovery process, Butler was selected in the 2nd round of the NBA Draft by the Miami Heat. The Newark native joined Hamady Ndiaye of Rutgers and former St. Patrick star Derrick Caracter as the Jersey representatives of this draft. Butler’s draft projections ranged from late in the first round to mid-second round when the night began, but it was up in the air what team would take the chance on him. Pat Riley, Miami’s head talent evaluator and possibly next head coach, has long preferred grit to athleticism, so the fit was natural.

Butler will now join a team that already has Dwayne Wade and may soon add other stars in free agency.

In an NBA where salary cap figures are almost more important that actual players, there is a spot for De’Sean in the Miami rotation as early as next season. From the Final Four to the NBA Finals is a dream that isn’t crazy for the former WVU captain, which seems remarkable considering the scene that unfolded at the Final Four. Miami is a team to watch, with a player to believe in.