Kentucky received 'best possible news' on Lamont Butler: "He's gonna be in good shape."

by:Jack Pilgrim•about 10 hours

Kentucky Wildcats guard Lamont Butler (1) looks on during the second half against the Auburn Tigers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

How about some incredible news before Kentucky tips off against Alabama in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals? With concern surrounding Lamont Butler‘s long-term status after re-aggravating his shoulder injury against Oklahoma on Thursday, Mark Pope shared that early returns are positive on the fifth-year guard despite missing tonight’s matchup against the Crimson Tide.

He’s sore, but Butler will be in ‘good shape’ as the team’s postseason run continues.

“We got the best possible news about Lamont,” Pope told Tom Leach before tip-off on Friday. “He’s gonna be in good shape, but we’re going to sit him tonight just to make sure. It would probably be a stretch to play him tonight because he’s got some soreness, but it was really good news this morning. We look forward to having him as we move forward.”

Coach Pope told @tomleachKY pregame that they got the "best possible news" on Lamont Butler this morning & that the freshman Travis Perry will get the start at guard. Catch the rest of the interview on the UK Sports Network Pregame show! pic.twitter.com/7PRmpPylwe
— UK Sports Network (@UKSportsNetwork) March 15, 2025

Butler left the game with 9:35 to go in the first half against Oklahoma and did not return, Pope confirming he underwent imaging while ‘praying like crazy he can find his way back on the floor at some point this year.’

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Looks like those prayers worked as the fifth-year guard will be back for the Cats sooner rather than later.

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