Which Kentucky players have March Madness experience, and will it help?

The pressure of the NCAA Tournament is unlike anything else in college basketball. The bright lights, roaring crowds, and high stakes can rattle even the most talented teams. But for Kentucky, this year's roster might just have a hidden advantage — experience. Several key players have already battled through March Madness, and that battle-tested nature could be the difference-maker in a deep tournament run.

Experience Matters: Kentucky’s Tournament-Tested Roster

When you look at some of the players transferring to Kentucky or stepping into bigger roles, there’s a common theme: They’ve been there. They’ve felt the intensity of win-or-go-home games, and some of them have even triumphed in those scenarios.

Let’s break down how some of these players have performed when the stakes were at their highest.

Koby Brea (Dayton)

Brea is one of the most seasoned tournament players joining the Wildcats, having played in the 2024 tournament for Dayton. His poise under pressure was evident in their Round of 64 win against Nevada, where he dropped 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including a remarkable 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. Brea followed that up with a 14-point performance in a tough Round of 32 loss to Arizona, proving he could produce even when the odds were stacked against him.

His ability to hit big shots when it matters most will be critical for Kentucky’s success. His sharpshooting from three-point range adds a deadly dimension to the Wildcats’ offense. More importantly, he’s already proven he can do it on the biggest stage.

Amari Williams (Drexel)

Williams’ lone tournament experience in 2021 was a forgettable one statistically. In a blowout loss to Illinois, he played only 4 minutes, not scoring a single point. But that was four years ago, and what really matters is how much he has grown since then.

He’s had time to reflect, mature, and develop his game. That initial taste of the tournament — even if it was a harsh lesson — could be exactly what fuels him to make his mark this time around.

Andrew Carr (Delaware)

Carr has one game of NCAA Tournament experience under his belt, but what a game it was. Despite Delaware's 80-60 loss to Villanova in 2022, Carr was nearly flawless. He scored 13 points on 5-of-5 shooting, including a three-pointer and four made free throws.

Carr’s perfect shooting performance shows he wasn’t rattled by the moment. It may have been a one-and-done experience, but it’s still experience. Having felt the intensity of the tournament, Carr is now better prepared to contribute on a larger stage with Kentucky.

Ansley Almonor (Fairleigh Dickinson)

Almonor played a significant role in one of the biggest upsets in NCAA history. Fairleigh Dickinson’s shocking win over Purdue in the 2023 Round of 64 put his name on the map. Though his individual performance in that game was forgettable, it was his 23-point explosion against Texas Southern in the First Four that really showcased his potential.

Even after a rough performance against Purdue, Almonor continued to contribute, adding 7 points and 8 rebounds in a competitive loss to Florida Atlantic in the Round of 32. That kind of mental toughness and perseverance will be invaluable for Kentucky as they navigate March.

Lamont Butler (San Diego State)

Here’s where things get interesting. Butler has not only played in the NCAA Tournament — he’s thrived. His journey with San Diego State included a magical run to the 2023 National Championship Game, where they ultimately fell to Connecticut.

During that run, Butler delivered clutch performances, including an 18-point effort in a one-point victory over Creighton in the Elite Eight and a game-winning shot against Florida Atlantic in the Final Four. His steady hand and confidence in late-game situations will be a tremendous asset for the Wildcats.

And Butler wasn’t done yet. In the 2024 tournament, he led San Diego State to two more wins before running into UConn again in the Sweet 16. Butler’s leadership, defense, and poise under pressure are all qualities Kentucky will lean on during their own tournament push.

Why Experience Is So Valuable

Experience in the NCAA Tournament is about more than just numbers. It’s about composure. It’s about understanding how quickly the momentum can shift and how every possession counts. It’s about knowing what to do when the pressure is dialed up to eleven.

For Kentucky, having players like Brea, Almonor, and Butler who’ve not only participated in March Madness but have also thrived in it, could be the secret weapon the Wildcats need to make a deep run. Even for guys like Williams and Carr who haven’t found success yet, just being there and knowing what it feels like to compete at that level gives them a leg up over those stepping into the madness for the first time.

The Big Blue Nation Effect

As always, Kentucky fans will make their presence known. But it’s these tournament-hardened players who will ultimately decide how far the Wildcats go. If their previous experience has taught them anything, it’s that surviving March Madness requires nerves of steel, relentless effort, and the ability to deliver when it matters most.

Can Kentucky’s roster of tournament-tested players help them hoist banner No. 9? One thing’s for sure — they’re battle-ready. And when it comes to March Madness, that experience could be the difference between another early exit and a run for the ages.