Finnish guard Samu Adler has signed with Butler. He will join the Bulldogs beginning with the upcoming 2026-27 season.
 
Adler, who stands 6-6, has played in the Korisliiga, the top league in Finland, for the past two seasons with Salon Vilpas. He was selected as the league's Rookie of the Year in 2025.
 
"Samu is a great competitor with positional size and skill that will translate well to the BIG EAST," said Butler head coach Ronald Nored. "He's had two very good seasons in the Korisliiga and is making a strong impact currently in the league finals for Salon Vilpas. At 18 years old, Samu has a great feel for the game and has played in pressure situations. We're excited to get him to Butler and for fans to be able to see his game on display at Hinkle Fieldhouse."
 
Salon Vilpas posted a 22-10 record during the 2025-26 regular season and is currently playing in the league finals. So far this season, Adler is averaging more than 15 points per game. Adler has scored 20 or more points nine times this season and has registered double figures in 26 of his 31 games. He has also handed out five or more assists in nine games so far this season.
 
Adler averaged 12.8 points per game in his first season (2024-25) with Salon Vilpas on his way to earning Rookie of the Year honors. He also has represented his native Finland in FIBA World Cup qualifying and in the 2025 EuroBasket.
 
Nored enters his first season leading the men's basketball program at his alma mater. He helped the Bulldogs to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA national championship game as the starting point guard for coach Brad Stevens and concluded his playing career by earning Academic All-America honors in 2012. Nored has been part of coaching staffs with five NBA franchises, most recently serving as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks for the last three seasons.
 
The Bulldog roster continues to take shape. Starters Jalen Jackson and Drayton Jones return for the 2026-27 campaign and are joined by an exciting group of newcomers.
 
Season tickets for the upcoming 2026-27 basketball season are on sale now at butlersports.com/seasontickets. The Bulldogs will once again host all 10 BIG EAST rivals at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Fans can email tickets@butler.edu or call the ticket office at 317-940-3647 for more information on securing season tickets.