Having a big junior year for your high school is one thing, proving that you can play at that level against the nation's best is another thing. That's what point guard Jared Butler from Reserve (La.) Riverside Academy has been doing.

Playing for the Mississippi Express in Nike's EYBL, Butler has proven himself to be a legitimate option for high majors while earning offers from Alabama, Houston, UMass, Texas and Southern Mississippi among others.

"I think my hard work and my patience have paid off," Butler told Rivals.com. "I've been trying to get on the scene and blow up as they say for the longest. I was down for a bit but just kept thinking I'm going to get my shot, I'm going to get my shot. Now my patience and hunger to be known as one of the best point guards is paying off."

"I had a big junior year and that gave me a bit of confidence. That's a big thing in basketball. You need confidence."

During June, Butler said that he would like to take unofficial visits to Alabama, Houston and Texas. He broke down what he knows about the programs.

"I know about Shaka Smart and I think he's a great coach," said Butler about Texas. "He's an up and comer and he's a gritty coach and I think he likes to grind."

When it comes to the Crimson Tide, Butler feels like he has a lot in common with Alabama's head coach.

"Coach Avery Johnson has been in the NBA," said Butler. "He's a point guard too and I like that a lot about him. He's actually from New Orleans where I'm from so he knows about the area and we talk about that a lot."

Houston was in early.

"Houston has shown a lot of love and jumped right in," said Butler. "I want to see what they are all about."

On the next level, Butler feels that he's a floor general who can keep defenses honest with his scoring.

"I feel like I'm a scoring guard for sure," said Butler. "I'm a big guard but I can also facilitate. If I'm not the best scorer I'm going to make sure that the best scorer is getting the ball in his hands."

This summer, Butler wants to see who else jumps onboard with his recruitment and though he would like to sign early, he's not opposed to taking his time.

"I'm probably cutting my list at the end of September," said Butler. "Then by November I can hopefully commit but if not I've got no problem waiting until January or February or something like that."