NEW YORK — Toughness is Butler point guard Posh Alexander's signature attribute.

He not the tallest or the strongest. He's not the fastest and he's not the best shooter from the outside. But he's a gritty floor general who impacts the game in ways that can't be quantified on a stat sheet.

Already playing through a foot injury that cost him one game earlier this season, Alexander landed on the Madison Square Garden court in Wednesday's first half and did not get up.

Run it back? Butler fans can look to next year. Expect a lot less roster turnover.

"When he went down, it was kind of scary for us because he brings a lot to the floor," Butler guard Pierre Brooks II said following Butler's Big East tournament 76-72 loss to Xavier. "His defensive intensity, his playmaking, his ability to finish at the basket... But Posh is a tough guy and he came back."

When Butler took the floor for second-half warmups, Alexander was not present. Then, about a minute into the warmups, Alexander emerged from the MSG tunnel and took the court. The plan was for him to test his injured knee and see if he could go. The Brooklyn native felt good enough to start the second half and did not leave the court, playing all 20 second-half minutes of Butler's loss.

Alexander left it all on the floor for the Bulldogs, hobbling at times, but also feeling good enough to swat a Desmond Claude dunk attempt off the backboard at less than 100% strength. The Dawgs couldn't help Alexander get his Willis Reed moment at the Garden, but the former St. John's guard is just one of the players who elevated his game under coach Thad Matta this season.

Known as a streaky shooter, Alexander finished his first season with the Bulldogs with a career-high 32% mark from 3. Northeastern transfer Jahmyl Telfort showed his strong frame and playmaking skills can translate from Colonial Athletic Conference to the Big East. UC-Irvine transfer DJ Davis showed his shooting ability travels from the Big West to the Big East, putting together multiple hot streaks of consecutive 20-point performances. Center Jalen Thomas had one of his best games against Xavier, scoring 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting. The fifth-year senior unlocked a new level of offense, becoming a more consistent threat from 3. He scored in double figures in five of his last eight games.

Freshmen Finley Bizjack and Boden Kapke enjoyed standout moments off the bench. Transfers Landon Moore and Andre Screen also provided key minutes as reserves.

Butler's re-made roster came together quickly, but no player seized his opportunity with his new team like Brooks, a Michigan State transfer. A Detroit native, Brooks played two quiet seasons for his hometown Spartans. He came to Butler with the pedigree of a former Mr. Basketball and the status of a four-star recruit. He hit the ground running, scoring double digits in first 22 games with the Dawgs. He finished his first season as Butler's leading scorer at 14.8 points per game.

Matta said he wanted players with something to prove, players with chips on their shoulders. No player came to Butler with more to prove than Brooks, and he relished the opportunity to showcase what he can do in a starting role.

"This season meant a lot to me," Brooks said. "Coach (Matta) said I took a chance on them, but I'm real thankful that they took a chance on me. I'm glad that I chose this school. I love to play for Butler. I'm thankful that they gave me a chance to come here and showcase my talent."

Even during a breakout campaign, things weren't easy for the powerful guard. Brooks admits he hit a wall during the Big East season. During a six-game stretch starting Feb. 6 against UConn, Brooks' averaged 8.6 points per game. Brooks credits the Bulldogs staff with helping him get over the hump and finish the regular season strong. His 21-point performance in the regular-season finale against Xavier was his first 20-point game in more than a month.

Brooks is thankful the Butler's staff helped him rediscover his form. If Brooks and the rest of the returning Dawgs can take another step forward next season, they can avoid another early exit from MSG.

"They kept believing in me even when things were going wrong," Brooks said. "They continued to believe in me and fight for me. So, I really appreciate that."

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Butler basketball transfers improved Bulldogs, but there's more to come