In a candid post-game reflection, BYU head coach Mark Pope expressed regret over not giving star guard Lamont Butler more playing time despite his foul trouble. Butler, who has been a standout performer for the Cougars this season, found himself limited by fouls during the game, but Pope believes that he could have still made a bigger impact if given more minutes.
“I wish I had played Lamont more,” Pope admitted. “He’s the heart and soul of this squad. His energy, his leadership—he can change the game in an instant. I let foul trouble dictate my decision-making, and that’s something I’ll learn from moving forward.”
Butler, known for his scoring ability and defensive tenacity, has quickly become one of the most reliable players on the team. His presence on the court not only boosts the Cougars’ performance but also inspires his teammates. Pope’s comments came after a hard-fought game where BYU struggled at times to maintain their rhythm, especially when Butler was on the bench.
Despite the setback, Butler’s resilience was clear. Even in limited minutes, he made key contributions when on the floor, showcasing his importance to the team. Pope made it clear that moving forward, he plans to manage Butler’s playing time better, especially in critical situations, to maximize the team’s chances of success.
“I’m not going to make the same mistake again,” Pope stated. “Lamont’s a difference-maker, and we need him out there as much as possible. We’ll find a way to work around his foul trouble, but he’s too important to sit for long stretches.”
BYU fans are hopeful that Pope’s acknowledgment of Butler’s significance will lead to more consistent minutes for the guard in future games, as the Cougars look to make a deep run this season.
