Kentucky’s head coach Mark Pope has provided a crucial update on Lamont Butler’s ankle injury ahead of the Wildcats’ upcoming matchups against Colgate and Louisville. Butler, a key player and starting point guard, was a last-minute scratch in Kentucky’s game against Gonzaga, a decision made after he struggled to recover from an injury sustained in the Wildcats’ loss to Clemson.
Pope described the situation as “a little bit of an issue” but shared optimism about Butler’s recovery timeline. While the training staff worked tirelessly to prepare him for the game in Seattle, they ultimately determined he wasn’t healthy enough to take the court.
Despite missing Butler, Kentucky pulled off a memorable second-half comeback against Gonzaga. However, with Kerr Kriisa already sidelined indefinitely due to a broken foot, the team’s depth at guard is being tested.
Speaking during his weekly radio show, Pope shared that Butler is eager to return and is making progress. “He’s doing great. He’s dying to get back on the floor,” Pope said. “He wasn’t active in practice today, but we’re hoping to see him back soon.”
When pressed for more details, Pope revealed that Butler’s return is officially day-to-day. He expressed hope that the San Diego State transfer might play against Colgate on Wednesday, though Saturday’s game against Louisville seems more realistic.
“It’s a matter of days,” Pope added. “Saturday feels more likely, but I’d like to see him in Wednesday’s game. We’ll see how tomorrow goes.”
For now, Kentucky fans can only hope Butler’s recovery continues smoothly as the Wildcats gear up for these pivotal games. His presence on the court could be vital in maintaining their momentum and securing victories in this critical stretch of the season.
