Social media has become a powerful tool in our society. Whether it’s helped online personalities grow a brand, teams engaging fans, or simply sharing a funny joke with your followers, Twitter has left a large imprint on our world.

But little did people know that the powerful social media app would have an impact on student-athletes’ ability to be noticed by college coaches.

“It was a funny story. They (Montevallo’s coaching staff) had no idea who I was,” said Greater Latrobe’s Landon Butler on his recruitment process. “They just found me on Twitter one day, texted me, then I went on my visit.”

With the instant ability to share highlights, stats, or even game clips, Twitter has given athletes all over the world a new avenue to travel when it comes to being recruited collegiately.

After a few clicks and a couple retweets, Landon Butler made his commitment to continue his basketball career at NCAA Division II University of Montevallo, except he didn’t have to announce it using 280-characters.

“The culture at Montevallo is really good - every guy on the team is best friends,” Butler noted on what ultimately sold him on the University. “When I went on my visit there, the coach (Anthony Komara) and I instantly connected. I have a great relationship with the whole staff and text them every day.”

To many in the Pittsburgh basketball community, this is no shock that another Butler is heading off to play college basketball. Landon comes from a long line of basketball players in his family who continued their careers collegiately and even professionally.

His oldest brother, Austin, was a standout at Greater Latrobe before heading off to NCAA Division I Holy Cross. He finished his career at University of Charlotte and is currently playing professionally in Finland.

Landon’s other older brother, Bryce, is currently playing for NCAA Division II West Liberty. He was named the 2022-2023 D2CCA Atlantic Region Player of the Year, and has guided his West Liberty team to a National Championship appearance that will be played on Saturday, March 25.

The youngest Butler, Max, is currently a sophomore on the Greater Latrobe varsity basketball team and has shown promise of being a talented player like his older brothers.

“It’s always a fun time, especially during COVID. That’s all we did was play 2 v. 2,” Butler mentioned on the impact his brothers have had on his basketball career. “It’s all love between the four of us. We all congratulate each other after every win. If we did something bad, we will encourage each other to be better.”

Playing college basketball isn’t the only thing that the Butler brothers have in common, as they have all shown the ability to score the ball.

“When I got my 1,000th point, they were excited for me,” Butler commented on entering into elite company with his brothers. “They are very happy that I joined them on the banner, as well.

“After I scored, I kind of just stopped and said ‘finally, it’s over,’” he continued.

As his time as a Wildcat winds down, Butler has a lot to be thankful for during his four years at Greater Latrobe. He isn’t sure what the next few months hold for him pertaining to summer workouts, but he’s already received plenty of advice from his brothers on what to expect when he starts playing in college.

When it comes to what he’s most excited for when he heads off to college, it’s not the typical answer. Sure, he’s eager to continue his basketball career and the Butler brothers’ legacy, but it’s the off-court activities that have piqued his curiosity about college and living away from home.

“I’m going to have to say exploring Alabama. I’ve never been there before.”