The Mark Pope era just got a little bit more interesting and has a little more firepower as the Kentucky Wildcats landed one of the top point guards in the transfer portal.
According to Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio, San Diego State guard Lamont Butler is committing to the Wildcats. He joins after winning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors with the Aztecs in 2024.
“Source tells KSR Lamont Butler from San Diego State has committed to KENTUCKY,” Jones wrote on X.
During his four years with the Aztecs, Butler helped the team win two regular season and conference tournaments. He has never missed a trip to the NCAA Tournament and was a part of the team’s Cinderella run to the national title game in 2023, during which he became a breakout star.
While his point totals don’t exactly blow up the stat sheet, Butler has been praised for his skill as a defender and many believe he has NBA potential as well. Just a few weeks ago he helped lead San Diego State to the Sweet 16 for the second year in a row and only the fourth time in the seeded era.
Fans are already praising the move in Jones’ comments, congratulating Pope on getting such a talented player:
“HUGE get for Pope & Co,” one user wrote.
“HUGE addition for Kentucky. Butler is an elite defender and can make shots spotting up and off the bounce. Winning player,” wrote another.
“Everybody is about to hop back on the Pope train,” a third declared.
Will Lamont Butler be an impact player for Kentucky next year?