Lamont Butler named to Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year Watch List

by:Jack Pilgrim•about 8 hours

Jan 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Lamont Butler (1) celebrates after making a three point basket during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

You don’t need me to tell you the value Lamont Butler brings to the table defensively — Kentucky is desperate for his return from the shoulder injury that’s kept the fifth-year guard out since January 25. In the meantime, he’s been named to the Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year Watch List, one of 15 players included on Wednesday.

The 6-2 guard, who leads the Wildcats at 1.8 steals per game, has also been named to the United States Basketball Writers Association’s Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List to go with Sporting News Midseason Second Team All-America honors.

The two-time Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year is having the best season of his career, averaging 13.2 points, 4.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game to go with a 2.3 assist-to-turnover ratio. Butler is also shooting career bests from the field (.513) and from 3-point range (.400) after coming in with career-highs of 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and a 2.0 assist-to-turnover ratio.

The 6-2 guard out of California has recorded multiple steals in eight games, including a season-high four at Georgia. On the other end, he has scored in double figures in 11 games, including a career-high 33 points highlighted by a career-best six 3-pointers in the rivalry win over Louisville. He went a perfect 10 for 10 from the field and six of six from three en route to SEC Player of the Week and USBWA National Player of the Week honors.

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He’s been at his best against the best, averaging 12.9 points on 46.1 percent shooting and 38.5 percent from three to go with 5.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals against ranked competition. His 6.0 assists per game in league play ranks third in the SEC.

Butler is one of six players from the SEC to earn recognition on the midseason DPOY watch list. He is joined by Auburn’s Johni Broome, Tennessee’s Jahmai Mashack, Mississippi State’s Cameron Matthews, Alabama’s Clifford Omoruyi and Tennessee’s Zakai Zeigler.

Enjoy the honors now, but please return soon, No. 1. The Cats could use you.