The Kentucky Wildcats just got a significant boost ahead of their NCAA Tournament opener. Star guard Lamont Butler, who has been battling a shoulder injury, is expected to be available for their first-round matchup.
Head coach Mark Pope delivered the good news, much to the relief of Wildcats fans. With multiple key players already ruled out for the season, Butler’s return couldn’t come at a better time for Kentucky.
Lamont Butler’s injury and absence in the SEC tournament
Butler suffered his shoulder injury during Kentucky’s SEC Tournament opener against Oklahoma. The setback occurred in the first half, forcing him to exit the game early. At halftime, Pope revealed that Butler had undergone imaging to assess the extent of the damage.
This has sparked concerns that he might have aggravated a lingering shoulder issue. However, ESPN’s Molly McGrath later reported that the injury appeared to be a new one rather than a recurrence of the previous problem.
Despite some initial hope that Butler could return for the remainder of the SEC Tournament, he ultimately sat out Kentucky’s next game against Alabama. Without their primary ball handler, the Wildcats struggled against the Crimson Tide, falling 99-70 and exiting the conference tournament earlier than expected.
The team missed Butler’s presence on the floor, particularly with Jaxson Robinson and Kerr Kriisa already ruled out for the season.
Butler has dealt with a persistent shoulder injury since January, forcing him to miss several games throughout the regular season. After returning in February, he played just two games before reinjuring his shoulder.
He was back in action by late February and managed to finish the final four games of the regular season, but his latest setback in the SEC Tournament left his tournament availability in doubt. Before his early exit against Oklahoma, Butler managed to log eight minutes on the court, contributing two points and three assists.
Pope optimistic about Butler’s return
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope expressed optimism about Butler’s availability moving forward.
“We got the best possible news about Lamont, so he’s gonna be in good shape, but we’re gonna sit him tonight just to make sure,” Pope told reporters.
“It would probably be a stretch to get him tonight because he’s got some soreness, but it was really good news this morning, and so we look forward to having him as we move forward.”
While Pope did not disclose the exact results of Butler’s imaging, his comments suggested that the injury was not as severe as initially feared. The Wildcats will undoubtedly be cautious with their star guard, ensuring he is fully ready before stepping back on the court.
Butler has been a key contributor for Kentucky this season, averaging 11.9 points per game as the team’s third-leading scorer. His ability to facilitate the offense and provide defensive intensity makes him a crucial piece of Kentucky’s tournament hopes.
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With the NCAA Tournament set to begin, Kentucky is counting on Butler to return to full strength and lead the Wildcats deep into March Madness. His availability could be the deciding factor in how far they can go, especially given the team’s injury struggles.
Fans will be watching closely, hoping that Butler’s shoulder holds up when the stakes are at their highest.
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