Lamont Butler earns Midseason All-American honors from The Sporting News

We’re technically past the midpoint of the season but with five-plus conference games now in the bag, national college basketball writers are rolling out midseason content. The Sporting News’ Mike DeCourcy shared his Midseason All-American selections today. Even though Mark Pope’s roster does not include any former five-star recruits or projected NBA Draft picks, a Wildcat made the list. DeCourcy named Lamont Butler a Second Team All-American, praising the veteran point guard’s command of Mark Pope’s unique offense.

“Butler is the one player on Kentucky’s roster who has been where everyone in Big Blue Nation is desperate to return: the Final Four. He ran San Diego State’s attack in the 2023 Final Four, but even with that background, he was not expected to carry such a heavy burden with this deep Wildcats team. He began the season more or less alternating with veteran Kerr Kriisa, but an injury to Kriisa has left Butler as the guy in charge, and he’s taken command of the team’s varied weapons. He’s averaged 14.4 points and 6.8 assists in SEC play. His deep shooting has been a pleasant surprise; Butler’s best previous season percentage was 34.2 in the Final Four year.”

Butler had 17 points and a career-high tying 8 assists in Kentucky’s loss to Alabama, a performance that is even more impressive when you consider he’s battling a shoulder injury. Butler has dished at least seven assists in four of Kentucky’s five SEC games. Speaking of Alabama, Crimson Tide point guard Mark Sears earned First Team All-American honors, along with Auburn center Johni Broome (who is out indefinitely with an ankle injury), Duke freshman Cooper Flagg (duh), Memphis shooting guard PJ Haggerty, and Marquette guard Kam Jones. From the SEC, Florida guard Walter Clayon and Tennesee guard Chaz Lanier earned Third Team honors.

Butler also made ESPN’s midseason list of the Top 50 players in college basketball, albeit just barely. Butler is No. 47, just above Louisville guard Chucky Hepburn and behind Georgia freshman Asa Newell. Jeff Borzello tabbed him as Kentucky’s lone representative due to the undeniable impact he has on the Cats.

47. Lamont Butler, Kentucky Wildcats

There’s a case to be made for a number of Kentucky players. Otega Oweh leads the Wildcats in scoring, Jaxson Robinson has been great of late, Andrew Carr has been their go-to offensive option late in big games, Amari Williams is incredibly valuable at both ends of the floor, and Koby Brea might be the best shooter in the country. But Butler gets the edge for us. He ranks high in stat-based metrics, and Kentucky is plus-12.7 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor. Butler also had one of the best individual performances of the season: 33 points on 10-for-10 shooting and six assists in a win over Louisville.

Congrats, Lamont. If you get a trophy or plaque, use your right arm to put it on the shelf. We need that left shoulder to heal up soon.