The Butler men's basketball Class of 2021 has a distinct local Indiana feel. Coach LaVall Jordan has announced the signing of three standouts from the greater Indianapolis area to national letters of intent.

Joining the Bulldogs beginning with the 2021-22 season will be Jayden Taylor, Pierce Thomas and Dionte "D.J." Hughes. Each is ranked among the Top 10 recruits in the state and Top 50 nationally at their position by ESPN.

"Each of these young men fits Butler University and the Butler community," said Jordan, who enters his fourth season as the head coach at his alma mater. "They come from families that share our values, and are excited about Butler, its academic opportunities and about being able to compete in the BIG EAST. On the court, they'll provide athleticism and versatility on both ends. They come from excellent coaching experiences and will complement each other and our current roster very well. There's definitely pride in the fact they're all local and chose to stay home."
 
Jayden Taylor, G, 6-4, Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian

As a junior, Taylor averaged 21.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.9 assists per game for Perry Meridian. The Indiana Basketball Coaches Association recognized him with all-state honors (underclass large school). The all-conference selection saw his production increase from 14.5 points per game as a sophomore. He played with Indiana Elite in AAU action.

ESPN, Rivals and 247sports rank Taylor as a three-star recruit. ESPN lists him as the No. 50 small forward in the class.

Coach LaVall Jordan on Taylor: "Jayden has a high ceiling. He plays with good pace and vision, and has the ability to play on or off the ball. He anticipates defensively and will only improve as he adds weight and strength. His game has grown tremendously under coach Mark James, who has developed many Division-I players throughout his career. Jayden prioritizes winning and has gotten better each year. We look forward to his future as a Bulldog." 
 
Pierce Thomas, G/F, 6-6, Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg

The Indiana Basketball Coaches Association named Thomas as one of their All-State "Supreme 15" (underclass) following his junior season, as he also earned All-USA Central Indiana Super Team
(second team) honors. He averaged 13.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game for Brownsburg, which went 21-4 and won a sectional championship. Thomas played point guard for a majority of the season. He was Indiana's 2019 state champion in the long jump, while also finishing eighth in the 200 meters. He plays predominantly with Indy Heat on the AAU Circuit.

ESPN ranks Thomas as a four-star recruit and as the No. 33 small forward in the Class of 2021. He is a three-star recruit according to both Rivals and 247sports.

Coach LaVall Jordan on Thomas: "Pierce is a team first-guy who possesses the intangibles that we look for. He has good size, competitiveness and elite athleticism that will allow him to defend multiple positions. He's fortunate to have a dad who played Division-I, a mom who coached Division-I and a high school coach in Steve Lynch who has coached in Division I that have all helped him develop a relentless work ethic. His skill continues to improve and his best days are yet to come."
 
Dionte "D.J." Hughes, F, 6-7, Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence North

Hughes averaged 11.2 points and 6.9 rebounds as a junior, leading Lawrence North to a 25-2 record and a Class 4A sectional title before the COVID-19 pandemic ended the season prematurely. Lawrence North was ranked No. 1 in the state at the conclusion of the season. Hughes shot 63 percent from the field and averaged better than a block per game. As a sophomore, Hughes averaged 8.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game on 59-percent shooting. He played for EG 10 on the Adidas Gauntlet.

ESPN lists Hughes as a four-star recruit and the No. 36 power forward in the Class of 2021. Rivals and 247sports each rank him as a three-star recruit.

Coach LaVall Jordan on Hughes: "D.J. is a very versatile player. His rebounding is a strength and he is strong in the post, but he is mobile and can also step out and play on the perimeter. He's learning everyday under a legendary coach at Lawrence North in Coach Jack Keefer, which is a tremendous benefit. He is a competitor who's played in big games and hates to lose."
 
Butler is slated to open the 2020-21 season Wednesday, Nov. 25, hosting Western Michigan at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Butler returns three starters in preseason All-BIG EAST second team selection Bryce Nze, Aaron Thompson and Bryce Golden. The Bulldogs have won 20 or more games in 20 of the past 24 seasons, and finished the 2019-20 campaign ranked in the Top 25 of both national polls.