Lamont Butler is determined not to be defined by just one standout moment from the Final Four. After making the crucial buzzer-beater that propelled San Diego State to the 2023 NCAA Tournament championship game, Butler is eager to replicate that success in his new role as a fifth-year senior with the Kentucky basketball program. His confidence in returning to the championship stage is mirrored by his new teammates as they prepare for the No. 3 seed Kentucky’s Midwest Region semifinal showdown against No. 2 seed Tennessee (29-7) set for Friday in Indianapolis.
“From the beginning, our goal has been to win a national championship,” Butler explained. “At Kentucky, there’s an expectation to win. We have a team of winners who want to uphold that tradition.”
This Kentucky squad diverges from its historical predecessors, which underscores the importance of Butler’s previous NCAA tournament experience with San Diego State. Kentucky’s current team (24-11) entered the season without a single returning scorer from the prior year. With new head coach Mark Pope at the helm, a roster was constructed from the ground up, featuring nine transfers who needed to gel as a cohesive unit.
Butler has emerged as the undisputed leader of the group. Kentucky teammate Andrew Carr humorously nicknamed him “LaMarch” before the tournament began, acknowledging Butler’s knack for taking charge. The Wildcats are well aware of Butler’s accomplishments, including his critical performance in his fifth consecutive tournament appearance. It was his clutch jumper that led San Diego State past Florida Atlantic with a narrow 72-71 victory in the 2023 NCAA semifinal, a victory that ultimately set the stage for the championship game against UConn.
“Most people tend to focus on what happens to them,” Coach Pope noted. “Winners like Lamont concentrate on what they make happen, demonstrating the heart of a champion. He doesn’t dwell on past events but focuses on creating new successes. Having such a leader is incredibly special.”
Pope shared an anecdote from the summer, recounting how Butler went above and beyond for a teammate experiencing a challenging family situation. Instead of following the team’s planned itinerary, Butler spent the day with his teammate, showcasing his compassionate nature.
Butler’s confidence in Kentucky’s potential was evident even last summer. He believed that this team could embark on a similar journey to his previous success with San Diego State, potentially achieving even greater results. “Since summer, I’ve thought we could position ourselves to win a national championship,” Butler expressed before the tournament. “That’s our focus. That’s our goal.”
Averaging career highs of 11.1 points and 4.3 assists, Butler remains resilient despite battling a left shoulder injury that sidelined him for six games since mid-January. He briefly aggravated the injury during the Southeastern Conference Tournament quarterfinal loss to Alabama. Yet, he bounced back in Kentucky’s first-round NCAA victory over Troy, contributing in various ways, resulting in a plus-minus rating of plus-22 despite not scoring.
Kentucky guard Otega Oweh praised Butler’s tenacity, saying, “He’s like a warrior out there, giving his all despite his injury. His leadership inspires us all to fight harder.”
Butler’s relentless defense contributed to Kentucky’s string of 14 steals against Illinois in the second round. His presence was acknowledged by teammate Koby Brea, who said, “When Lamont is on defense, it unnerves our opponents while giving us confidence.”
As Butler continues to inspire and lead his teammates, he’s helping Kentucky inch closer to a coveted Final Four appearance, a feat the program hasn’t achieved in a decade. “Everyone is hungry this year,” Butler stated. “Many of us come from smaller schools but had the opportunity to compete here, and we want to leave a lasting legacy at one of the best programs.”
Although Butler’s remarkable shot from two years ago remains unforgettable, he is now crafting new memories and milestones with Kentucky, wearing a different jersey but maintaining the same championship spirit.