In the summer of 2004 when any suggestion of Butler University playing for a national championship might have drawn laughter, an unknown assistant coach made a cost efficient, wide ranging recruiting trip to Florida. He squeezed in one more stop, wandering over to Wharton High School’s gymnasium to watch their workouts.

Butler head coach, Brad Stevens, checked out Shawn Vanzant and liked what he saw. He saw a defensive-minded, versatile player that fit their system. Vanzant became a recruiting priority.

It may have seemed unusual when Vanzant signed to play at Butler, a 4,200 student, mid-major school. But, the 6-foot guard said it was perfect for him.

After four consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament – and two straight trips to the Final Four – Vanzant will conclude his college career with a chance to win a national championship this weekend at Houston’s Reliant Stadium.

The 8th-seeded Bulldogs (27-9) will meet the 11th seeded Virginia Commonwealth Rams (28-11) in Saturday’s national semi-final contest.

Vanzant averages 8.1 points and 3.2 rebounds, and had his greatest moment in the Horizon League tournament semi-finals. Vanzant scored 18 points in the final 13 minutes of the game as his team defeated Cleveland State 76-68.

In last Saturday’s 74-71 region final victory over the Florida Gators, Vanzant directed a floating pass toward the rim where his teammate, Khyle Marshall, grabbed it and slammed it home.