The upcoming season will bring significant changes for the Kentucky men’s basketball team. With head coach Mark Pope stepping in, the roster has been revamped, featuring numerous transfers.
Among the new faces is veteran point guard Lamont Butler, who joins the Wildcats after four years at San Diego State. Despite being new to the team and the coach, Butler understands the responsibility he bears as the point guard to lead his squad.
“As a point guard, you have to be a leader on the court,” Butler stated. “That’s just part of the job.”
Although Butler is new to Lexington and his teammates, he brings a wealth of experience, having played 131 games, participated in four NCAA Tournaments, and helped lead the Aztecs to the 2023 national championship game. He hopes to leverage this experience to guide the revamped Kentucky team.
“I believe my tournament experience over the past four years will enhance my leadership. I feel I’ve grown as a leader and I’m eager to continue that at Kentucky.”
Butler has already felt the support from Big Blue Nation at the NEW ERA Event from Club Blue on Saturday. He noted the warm reception and the fans’ passion for the team under Pope’s new leadership.
“It’s amazing. Everyone is so nice, loving, and caring,” Butler said. “Everyone loves BBN, and I understand how special this team is to them.”
The Kentucky fanbase has fully embraced Pope’s tenure, showing strong support through NIL commitments and backing every offseason move. This transition marks a rejuvenation for the program after more than a decade under John Calipari, a change welcomed by all involved.
Butler, after his time at San Diego State, is ready to contribute to this new era for Kentucky in his fifth collegiate season. Now, he just needs to hit the court and compete for the Wildcats.
