Vicky Graff Photo
How much has point guard Lamont Butler enjoyed his season at Kentucky despite the injuries he’s suffered?
“He wishes he had another year,” said Lamont Butler Sr., the player’s father. “He feels the love. It is not fake. It’s real. I told him if you can excel here on the big stage with this pressure and attention, you can excel anywhere in life.”
Butler transferred from San Diego State where he played in the 2023 Final Four and hit the game-winning, buzzer-beating shot in the semifinals to reach the title game.
“It was night and day coming from San Diego State to here. I think it overwhelmed him a bit at first until he got used to all the fan support and big arenas,” Butler Sr. said. “We used to watch Kentucky on TV in big games and then just like that he was part of that.”
The point guard may not be 100 percent but he’s expected to start against Troy Friday night in Milwaukee when UK starts NCAA play. His father calls him “LaMarch” because of his previous postseason success and believes Mark Pope has been the perfect coach for his son.
“Mark Pope is not a screamer. A lot of people want coaches to yell and curse players out,” Butler Sr. said. “Mark Pope has a different style and players respond to his style.
“I played football. Coaches screamed. Mark’s style works for his players. Would I like to see him scream more? No. I want him to continue just like he has been doing.”
Butler’s injuries have given him time off but the UK guard does not like being out of the action.
“He cares for others more than himself,” Butler’s father said. “If they lose and he is not out there he feels bad. What is weird is that at San Diego State Lamont was always his best conditioned self when the tournament happened. LaMarch Butler. That is when he played his best ball.”
Butler, who has a 3.9 grade-point average, is eventually looking to start his own business after basketball ends.
“Who knows? Maybe one day he will own a basketball team,” Butler’s father said.
The guard and his family have had “no complaints” about name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities at Kentucky.
“The university has taken care of it. They really have made my son feel at home and welcomed,” Butler Sr. said. “Financially, fan-wise, definitely no complaints.”
23 Responses
I have loved watching Lamont play for the Cats this year.
Mr. Larry V…..why are we not getting any FB coverage? I am reading about all the commits UL is getting (11 and growing) for 2026 while UK is drawing blanks.
I think recruits hear what we hear. Stoops future depends on this year. If we have another losing year I think he’s gone. So if he’s fired along goes the rest of the coaches!
I think the man is gone and knows it. We are on life support this year but should feel very good that Stoop’s is really excited to take on the year. Is there currently a weaker tandem in SEC than Stoops/Hamdan?
Stoops will NOT be fired after next year!
It’s not a good sign for Stoops, that Marrow’s contract expires this year. Coaches, usually have automatic 1 year extensions, so they always have 2 year contracts. Marrow must see the writing on the wall and has been applying for other jobs.
I would take a Lamont Butler as my PG every year at Kentucky. I only hate that he and we didn’t get a whole healthy year of him. He is special and will always be a Kentucky Wildcat.
Love Butler he is the heart of this team.
Let’s enjoy the rest of basketball season before we get depressed about next year’s football team.
Barry I totally agree with You! Let’s enjoy the rest of Basketball Season, the Cats and we have another great state tournament coming up! Watched a great game last night, Bowling Green winning the 4th regional championship! Even though I live in Bowling Green I was cheering for Clinton County who hadn’t been to a regional championship since 1960! Kentucky kids are the Greatest! Thanks for always having great texts. “Larry’s Views” is my favorite and You are one of my favorite guys who text on here! Let’s Go Cats!!
Thanks Lamont for the memories.. We as well wish you could back.. We would definitely welcome you back my friend.. But, always know Lamont once a wildcat always a wildcat.. Good luck.
He a Aztec fo life
Nice piece Larry.. Keep up the good work
Easy to write about a terrific young man like Lamont
I wish we could find a way to keep the Butler’s in Lexington for the rest of their lives, they are true blue fans of our Wildcats, and I believe Wildcat fans feel the same abut them!
I could not agree more
Just wanted to say thank you, Lamont, for the time you came and played the point for us, your guard play, it really spread the floor, had the other team guessing, on how to defend and detain you.
Whether we got to see a little, or alot, of you on the court, we’re glad for every second.
And after Basketball, we know that you’re going to prosper, in whatever you choose to do.
Remember, BBN, will always love you.
Thanks again!
We really have a good team this year, but it looks like injuries have derailed our season, it’s a shame because I think we could have went to Final four this year! A healthy Lamont Butler next year would have been awesome, go cats
What are you talking about we could have went to the final four dude this season is not over we can still make a Deep Run in a tournament you got to have faith man quit with that negative talk
Another year with you as our point guard would have been great. Loved you as a Wildcat and a Wildcat you will always be.
Thanks for the memories
Butler was/is the dynamo that makes this
team go. Hope he gives the team a big boost tonight. If he plays well they could possibly get to the sweet 16. As far as Stoops goes, he is gone after next year. He isn’t going to do any better with what he has talent wise. The guy isn’t a great coach and all you guys know that. If you’re spending 9 million a year ( ridiculous ) , spend it on a high caliber coach. Common sense works everytime. Guy doesn’t even have an SEC winning record during his tenure.
I have loved these kids like no others except for Oscar and Tyler Ullis. I would give anything if we could have them all for one more year and have recorded all of their games so that I will at least have that much when they have to move on with their futures. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to love your time with us and you will always be Wildcats in our hearts!!
I am with you Cricket