Lamont Butler says Kentucky set a high bar in Pope's first season

After Mark Pope, Lamont Butler, Koby Brea, and Andrew Carr fought back tears to summarize the loss to Tennessee and the end of the season, the moderator asked for any more questions at Kentucky’s last postgame press conference. When the crowd of reporters remained silent, Lamont Butler leaned forward into the microphone in front of him on the stage.

“Can I say something?” Butler asked. “I think it was really cool that we were able to set the culture for Pope’s first year, and, you know, people have to come in, and the bar has been set high for the next people who come under Pope. And it’s going to be fun to watch, for sure.”

Butler’s unprovoked parting message was one last sign of his leadership as Kentucky’s point guard after he gave his all in his final game as a Wildcat. Butler had 18 points on 7-11 shooting from the field and 4-5 from 3, fighting until the very end.

Andrew Carr, who also played his last game with Kentucky, added to Butler’s comment. Carr put out a call for future Wildcats to fill their shoes for next season.

“If you’re in the transfer portal and looking for a spot to go, go to Kentucky,” Carr said. “I’ll tell you that much. Go to Kentucky.”

Pope and Butler after the game

More on Butler. Charlie Clifford captured an image behind the scenes of Pope consoling Butler on the way to the locker room after the loss. A March Madness legend, Butler gave his all, playing through injury, to keep the Cats in the hunt for as long as he could. BBN will miss him.

Mark Pope consoling Lamont Butler postgame. pic.twitter.com/NPFqmJ2Y5V

— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) March 29, 2025