Austin Butler dunked his way to $5,000 Sunday.
And what a dunk it was.
The former Latrobe basketball star who played four years at Holy Cross before a grad season at Charlotte, made the highlight reel with a big jam at the 3x3U National Championship at The Sugar Mill in New Orleans.
Butler and his teammates on Team American Made went unbeaten in pool play and moved into the semifinals.
The tournament has 64 players competing on 16 four-man teams. They are competing for a $150,000 purse with each win earning them a cash sum.
The champions get $50,000.
Butler, known for his shooting and passing ability more than his dunking, earned $5,000 for his team with an electric jam.
Tough take by @austinbutler44 for five bands and the dub! American Made are moving on to the semis and are $5K richer! ???? #3X3U pic.twitter.com/VFcxLhrZuM
— 3X3U National Championship (@3X3UHoops) April 3, 2022
“I just drove and tried to jump,” Butler said. “I don’t really do that stuff.”
But he looked like he had posterized opponents before as he took a pass near the top of the key, took a couple bounces to his right, and rose up for a one-handed slam over a defender who tried to block the shot.
Butler inadvertently landed on top of the defender and ended up looking like he was trying to pin him in a wrestling match.
He also made the game-winning layup at the buzzer to send his team to the semifinals. He faked out a defender at the 3-point line, dribbled left and drove the lane for the deciding points.
Austin Butler putting on a show on the national stage!! Kid can flat out play!! Always the toughest guy in the gym. Warrior mindset!! @CharlotteMBB @austinbutler44 ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/ml6PrqHbkb
— Joe Lewandowski (@coachJoeLew) April 3, 2022
