Lamont Butler’s lingering ankle injury, sustained against Clemson, has raised doubts about his availability for Kentucky’s showdown with No. 7 Gonzaga this weekend in Seattle. Head coach Mark Pope is uncertain whether his star point guard will be fit to play, leaving Kentucky fans speculating about how the team will fill Butler’s crucial role if he’s sidelined.
If Butler is unable to go or is limited, Pope may rely on a combination of players to handle the ball. Options include Kerr Kriisa, Jaxson Robinson, and Otega Oweh, with all three potentially sharing point guard responsibilities. However, some fans are advocating for freshman Travis Perry to get more minutes, especially after his limited playing time against Clemson.
Perry, a Kentucky native, has only appeared in five of the team’s eight games this season, logging a total of 21 minutes. Despite his limited court time, Pope expressed confidence in the young guard during a press conference on Thursday. “I have a lot of confidence in Travis Perry. He’s a terrific player, really smart, and immensely capable. He’s definitely a viable option,” Pope said.
Still, losing Butler would be a significant blow to Kentucky’s chances. Even in a shortened 19-minute stint against Clemson, Butler was arguably the team’s best player, showcasing his leadership and playmaking abilities. Without him, Kentucky’s offense could struggle against Gonzaga’s elite, senior-laden defense, ranked among the top 20 in the nation by KenPom.
Although Pope gave Perry a public vote of confidence, it’s unlikely the freshman will see extended minutes in such a high-pressure environment unless absolutely necessary. Instead, this could be a breakout opportunity for Kriisa or a chance for Robinson to step into the point guard role. If Butler is healthy, however, these concerns may become irrelevant—but until tipoff, his status remains a pivotal storyline.
