The Cinderella Strategy: The Game Plan Behind Butler University's Rise to Prominence Hardcover – January 1, 2021

March Madness is my favorite time of year. And this year has been doubly great since the entire Men's Tournament has been played in Indiana. This unique opportunity has presented the opportunity for my favorite place on earth to be center stage, Hinkle Fieldhouse at Butler University.I just finished reading Graham Honaker and Jerry Logan's new book The Cinderella Strategy: The game plan behind Butler University's rise to prominence.Many of you may have first become aware of the Bulldogs during their back-to-back NCAA finals. But when did this "overnight" sensation start? 1927. This is the year it was decided to build the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. At the time, Butler had 1300 students but they built a 13,000 seat basketball cathedral.This book not only highlights the history but shows you the real "Hinkle Magic" behind building a great university, basketball team, business, or sales team. CULTURE.Culture at Butler is defined by "The Butler Way". And this culture permeates not only the athletic department but the entire university and extended community.So if you are looking for that "Magic" that you can apply to your organization to create an "overnight" success this is your book.

Having grown up in Indiana and living in Indianapolis area for the last 25 years, I apparently knew nothing about Butler other than their increased prestige in basketball. The Cinderella Strategy is an easy read packed with great information that flows smoothly from beginning to end. I've never even seen the campus, but now I must go! - John Funcheon

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was well written, clearly explaining how Butler University prepared for and then parlayed upon the success of its basketball team to benefit the entire Butler school and community. The book exceeded my expectations.

Accurate and complete analysis of small college success thru Sports with Academics expectations.Recruiting is by the books, no "funny" family benefits. Well written.

A must read for anyone related to successful results that come from a corporate culture that moves forward based upon core values that make up The Butler Way! Graham Honaker...Boom Baby!

Well written, interesting, and informative.

Once upon a time, in a state where basketball defines most every child's wonder years, a small liberal arts college by the name of Butler University, pulled together a game plan to take its athletic prowess and let it introduce the nation to its equally-remarkable academic rigor. While everyone who reads the book will "w-hoop" it up and enjoy the March Madness, "Cinderella" rags-to-riches basketball storyline, this is actually a story and crash-course on strategic planning for those who are interested in parlaying good publicity into great, sustainable success. It is chock-full of insights and ideas on leadership strategy, execution, cross-marketing activation and achieving results-driven success. Along the way, the "Cinderella team makes it way to the Final Four, and endears itself to the nation as the under-(bull)dog in a David-and-Goliath way such that the university lives happily ever after!

As a Butler alum, I thought I'd heard all the stories - Blue barfing on the floor of Madison Square Garden, the student-athletes in class before the championship game, the skyrocketing successes celebrated by Admissions, Advancement and Athletics in the years since the back-to-back tournament runs. But there were so many more that put Butler's wins in a new light.The research and storytelling, fast-paced and detail-oriented, had me on my feet cheering for the underdawgs, and not just on the hardwoods. The Cinderella Strategy shares struggles, successes and stumbles, and strategies that helped them excel when other universities faced - and continue to face - uncertainty. Many of the lessons in the book can be applied outside academia and athletics, into businesses and communities.It's a must-read for anyone who needs to be reminded that dreams really do come true.