Kentucky basketball fans have another reason to celebrate this season: Lamont Butler has been named a mid-season Second-Team All-American by Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News. The recognition is a testament to Butler’s invaluable role in guiding the Wildcats under Coach Mark Pope’s unique and dynamic offense.
DeCourcy praised Butler’s poise and experience, stating, “Butler is the one player on Kentucky’s roster who has been where everyone in Big Blue Nation is desperate to return: the Final Four.”
Butler’s journey to Kentucky began with a stellar run at San Diego State, where he led the Aztecs to the 2023 Final Four. This season, he was expected to share point guard duties with veteran Kerr Kriisa, but Kriisa’s injury thrust Butler into more minutes. Butler has embraced the challenge, averaging 14.4 points and 6.8 assists in SEC play. His surprising improvement from the three-point line has been a critical asset for Kentucky, as he currently sits at 40% outpacing his best season of 34% from his time at San Diego State.
ESPN’s Top 50 Recognition
In addition to his All-American honor, Butler also earned a spot on ESPN’s list of Top 50 players, coming in at No. 47. ESPN analysts highlighted Butler’s ability to elevate the Wildcats’ performance:
“Lamont Butler is the engine behind Kentucky’s success. While Otega Oweh leads the team in scoring and Jaxson Robinson, Andrew Carr, Amari Williams, and Koby Brea have all had standout moments, Butler’s impact is unmatched. Kentucky is +12.7 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor, and he ranks highly in advanced metrics. His 33-point, 10-for-10 shooting performance against Louisville is one of the best of the season.”
Kentucky’s Depth Elevates Butler’s Game
While Butler has been the cornerstone, the Wildcats’ roster is stacked with talent. Otega Oweh’s scoring consistency, Jaxson Robinson’s coming around recently, Andrew Carr’s late-game heroics, and Amari Williams’ defensive dominance make Kentucky an uber balanced team. Add in Koby Brea’s elite shooting and that makes Kentucky one of the most dangerous teams in the nation. However, it’s Butler’s ability to orchestrate the offense and keep Kentucky’s stars in sync that makes him indispensable.
Final Thoughts
Lamont Butler’s recognition as a Second-Team All-American and a Top 50 player solidifies his status as one of the most impactful point guards in college basketball. With his leadership and Kentucky’s depth, Big Blue Nation’s hopes of returning to the Final Four look better than they have in a long time.
As Butler continues to shine, fans can expect the Wildcats to be a force in March—and perhaps finally make the deep tournament run they’ve been craving.