Kentucky basketball is just different
Lamont Butler’s stay in Lexington may have lasted just one season, but his appreciation for Kentucky runs deep. The guard who transferred in, provided steady leadership, and helped the Wildcats reach their first Sweet 16 since the pandemic-shortened era is now chasing his NBA dream with the Atlanta Hawks.
“It was a one-of-a-kind experience, man. There was nothing like playing for Kentucky,” Butler said recently on the Aztecs Wrap-Up Show. “I had an awesome year. We had a great group of guys, a team that was really good... The people that were in the program, Coach Pope and his staff, they’re all awesome. Their fans were great. I really enjoyed my one year there.”
Butler, who famously hit the buzzer-beater that sent San Diego State to the national championship game in 2023, compared his two college stops. “I mean, I just think I’ve been blessed to go to two schools where the fanbases are amazing. Just a rich culture of history between both, I just had an awesome time in college.”
At Kentucky, Butler averaged 11.4 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.9 rebounds across 27 starts. His role wasn’t about gaudy numbers but about providing maturity and poise for a roster in transition under Mark Pope. He delivered in that capacity, and his influence was felt in ways that won’t show on stat sheets. Even when he was down to just one good arm, he never gave in.
Now, after going undrafted, Butler signed a two-way deal with the Atlanta Hawks. It’s a foot in the door, an opportunity to showcase his skills in both the NBA and G League. “Man, it just felt like a dream come true,” he said. “To get a call from an NBA team and for them to want you to be a part of their organization, it’s just something I’ve been working for my whole life.”
For Kentucky fans, it’s rewarding to hear Butler speak so glowingly about his year in Lexington. His time may have been short, but his impact — and gratitude — were lasting.