Kentucky basketball officially adds Lamont Butler to 2024 roster

Lamont Butler is officially a Wildcat, the Kentucky Men’s Basketball program has announced.

Butler averaged 9.3 points per game this past season, starting in all 37 of the Aztecs’ games this past season and scoring in double figures 17 different times. However, most remember Butler for his role in San Diego State’s Final Four run in 2023 as he hit the buzzer-beater against FAU to send SDSU to the national championship game.

“Lamont Butler is the definition of a winner,” Kentucky head coach Mark Pope said, via release. “He might be the best perimeter defensive player in all of college basketball. Lamont has helped lead championship teams for the last four years and hit one of the most epic shots in the NCAA Tournament to send his team to the championship game.

“He is an elite student who takes his academics seriously. He cares about the community and will embrace the power of wearing ‘Kentucky’ across the front of his chest. I’m extremely excited to coach Lamont and to see the influence he’s going to have on this team.”

In total Butler scored 1,008 points, and totaled 338 assists and 305 rebounds during his four-year Aztec career. Somehow he managed to finish both his junior and senior season shooting 128-304 (42.1%) as well.

However, his performances down the stretch in the 2023 NCAA Tournament will be what San Diego State fans remember most about him. He averaged 10.5 points and 3.3 assists during the five-game stretch that included an 18-point performance on 8 of 11 shooting against Creighton in the Elite 8.

He finished that run with a 13-point performance in a losing effort against eventual national champion UConn. Ironically, Butler and the Aztecs would run into the Huskies again one year later and would endure the same fate in the Sweet 16.

“My last 4 years at San Diego State has been a dream come true,” Butler wrote when entering the portal. “We’ve been able to accomplish so much in my time here. I will forever cherish the memories I made in an Aztec jersey. I’ve made lifelong friendships and was gifted with a brotherhood that no one can take away from me. Thank you to the Show and the amazing fans for your support.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

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