Lamont Butler Sr. Knows Tears Will Flow During Pregame Ceremony

Lamont Butler Sr. is one who “doesn’t mind watering the earth.”

That’s his way of saying he can cry when he’s emotional and that likely will happen tonight when his son, point guard Lamont Butler, plays his final regular-season game at Kentucky against LSU and is honored along with other senior teammates before the game.

“I didn’t think I would miss college basketball but now that it is coming to end … we love the traveling, different arenas and being with fans. I can’t believe it is getting so close to the end but Lamont will have another chapter coming up,” Butler Sr. said.

The UK point guard’s parents appreciate the way Kentucky fans have embraced their son after he transferred from San Diego State this year and have supported him as he has battled back from a left shoulder injury,

“I would definitely say thank you to the fans for accepting my son as a player and person. We appreciate all the love you guys have shown us,” Butler Sr. said. “I can’t think of a better place in the basketball world to be than Kentucky.

“I am sure Lamont would share the same sentiments. He has found a home away from home. When he stops playing here you might see him more than I will because he loves it here.”

Kentucky coach Mark Pope took the team and players’ parents out Monday and Butler Sr. hopes he can control his emotions because he doesn’t “want to fall out there in front of all those people.”

He still remembers the farewell the family had when Lamont Butler left for Kentucky.

“We were all saying something and when it got to me I said two words and just busted out crying,” Butler Sr. said. “He gives his heart and soul to his team. I have never seen a tougher kid than him. He will do whatever it takes to win and I sure hope they can win this game.”

Just over three years ago Butler’s sister was murdered. That’s the same season he hit the last-second shot at the Final Four to put San Diego State into the national title game.

“We broke the news to Lamont about his sister and I just broke down,” Butler Sr. said. “He said, ‘I got you and it will be fine.’ Ever since she passed away it has been fine through him with basketball. I would not be here without him. The Lord has taken him and us on an incredible journey. I appreciate that and yes, I probably will cry out there before the game.”