Lamont Butler is a 6-foot-2-inch, 208-pound guard currently playing for the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team. Born on June 9, 2002, in Moreno Valley, California, Butler began his collegiate career at San Diego State University before transferring to Kentucky in 2024.
Early Life and Education
Butler attended Riverside Polytechnic High School in Riverside, California, where he had a standout basketball career. He became the school’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller, with over 1,800 career points.
Throughout his high school tenure, Butler earned multiple accolades, including being named the Ivy League Most Valuable Player and securing four All-Ivy League and All-State honors.
College Career
San Diego State University (2020–2024):
- 2020–2021: Played in 28 games, averaging 4.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
- 2021–2022: Started 25 games, with averages of 7.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
- 2022–2023: Achieved career-high averages of 8.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. Notably, he hit a buzzer-beater in the Final Four, propelling the Aztecs to the national championship game.
- 2023–2024: Continued his strong performance, earning the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year award.
University of Kentucky (2024–Present):
In his first season with the Wildcats, Butler has been a pivotal player. He is currently averaging 11.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 47.9%.
Recent Performance
Despite playing through injuries, including a shoulder issue, Butler has consistently contributed to Kentucky’s success. In a recent game against Illinois, he played 25 minutes, finishing with a team-high plus/minus of +22, underscoring his impact on the court.
Coaching Praise
Kentucky’s head coach, Mark Pope, has lauded Butler’s leadership and defensive skills, referring to him as “the foundation of this team.” Butler’s ability to disrupt opposing plays and his composure under pressure have been instrumental in the Wildcats’ achievements this season.
Personal Life
In January 2022, Butler faced personal tragedy with the loss of his sister, Asasha Hall, who was killed in a domestic dispute. Despite this hardship, Butler has continued to excel in his basketball career, dedicating significant achievements to her memory.
Notable Achievements
- Three-time Mountain West All-Defensive Team selection (2022–2024).
- Third-team All-Mountain West in 2023.
- Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
- Key contributor to Kentucky’s victory over Louisville in December 2024, scoring a career-high 33 points on a perfect shooting night.