Lamont Butler, a seasoned point guard, has been the driving force behind the Kentucky Wildcats this season. Butler’s averages for the Wildcats this season are 11.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per contest.
A banged-up shoulder has recently hampered Butler, who has been in and out of the lineup the entire season because of an ankle injury sustained early in the season. This injury has caused him to leave several games, most recently against Oklahoma in the SEC Tournament.
Although Butler did not participate in the SEC Tournament matchup against Alabama, coach Mark Pope declared that he would be prepared for the NCAA Tournament following the team’s defeat to the Crimson Tide.
Since recovering from the injury, the Wildcats point guard has been wearing a brace on his shoulder, which obviously aches a lot. Kentucky supporters fear that Butler’s season could end with a single mishit to his shoulder, which would also probably end Kentucky’s.
Butler must remain healthy for the duration of the NCAA Tournament if the Wildcats are to have any chance of competing.
Based on his performance on both sides of the court, Butler is the Wildcats’ most valuable player, per Evan Miya metrics. Butler is renowned for being a superb defender, but he also excels at supporting Coach Pope’s offensive scheme. This team will compete in the Big Dance if he can remain on the floor.
