Kentucky basketball fans have yet another reason to cheer this season, as guard Lamont Butler has been named a mid-season Second-Team All-American by Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News. The recognition highlights Butler’s invaluable leadership and playmaking ability as he helps guide the Wildcats to new heights under head coach Mark Pope.
Butler’s journey to Kentucky has been nothing short of remarkable. After leading San Diego State to the 2023 Final Four, Butler transferred to Kentucky where he was initially set to share point guard duties with veteran Kerr Kriisa. However, Kriisa’s injury thrust Butler into a larger role, which he has embraced with open arms. Averaging 14.4 points and 6.8 assists per game in SEC play, Butler’s offensive contributions have been a key factor in the Wildcats’ success this season. Additionally, his improved three-point shooting—up to 40%, compared to 34% in his previous season at San Diego State—has added a new dimension to Kentucky’s offense.
ESPN also took notice of Butler’s impact, ranking him among the Top 50 players in college basketball at No. 47. Analysts praised his ability to orchestrate the Wildcats’ offense, with a notable 33-point, 10-for-10 shooting performance against Louisville. Kentucky’s success has been in large part due to Butler’s leadership, and his presence on the floor has boosted the Wildcats by an impressive 12.7 points per 100 possessions.
Despite Kentucky’s stacked roster, including standout players like Otega Oweh, Jaxson Robinson, and Amari Williams, it’s Butler’s ability to keep everything in sync that has made him indispensable. With the SEC tournament and March Madness on the horizon, Butler’s continued excellence could be the driving force behind Kentucky’s potential deep tournament run.
As Butler’s star continues to rise, the Wildcats are poised to make a serious push for the Final Four, with Big Blue Nation hopeful for a championship run in 2025.