Lamont Butler named USBWA National Player of the Week

What happens when you drop 33 points while shooting a perfect 10-10 from the field and 6-6 from three in a hostile rivalry win? You’re named USBWA National Player of the Week.

That’s the case for Lamont Butler coming off his all-time performance against the Louisville Cardinals on Saturday. The Kentucky guard was selected as one of five U.S. Basketball Writers Association National DI Players of the Week on Tuesday.

USBWA’s five honorees for the week ending Dec. 15 include:

• Lamont Butler, Kentucky
• Tarence Guinyard, UT Martin
• Jamichael Stillwell, Milwaukee
• Taryn Todd, Arkansas State
• Brice Williams, Nebraska

His 33 points were second-most ever by a Wildcat against the Cardinals while his six 3-pointers were tied for most by a UK player in the rivalry. He also added a game-high six assists in the 93-85 victory inside Rupp Arena, despite coming off back-to-back absences dealing with an ankle injury.

His 10-10 effort was third-best in program history, behind only Rodney Dent (12-12 vs. Morehead State in 1993) and Kenny “Sky” Walker (11-11 vs. WKU in 1986). His 6-6 performance from three trails only Wenyen Gabriel’s 7-7 day in the SEC Tournament back in 2018.

Butler is the first DI player since 1996-97 to make all of his shots, score at least 33 points and add at least six assists while also becoming the second SEC player to finish with 30 or more points and hit all shot attempts in the last two decades.

Beyond USBWA POTW honors, the Kentucky point guard was also named Co-Player of the Week by the SEC. He is now averaging 15.1 points, 4.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds per contest for the Wildcats.