Mark Pope shares positive update on Lamont Butler: "(He's) making progress."

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

Mark Pope didn’t have much to say when asked about Lamont Butler following Kentucky’s loss at Ole Miss — a game the Wildcats could have used the fifth-year point guard, especially defensively. It was his third consecutive absence, last suiting up in blue and white at Vanderbilt on January 25.

How quickly is Butler’s return expected?

“I don’t know. Right now, we have to figure this out with the guys we have,” Pope said. “That’s the job, we have to figure this out with the guys we have. That’s what we’re focused on. That’s the job.”

That also included Kerr Kriisa‘s status, which has remained unchanged since breaking his foot in the win over Gonzaga out in Seattle on Dec. 7. He’s out of his boot and moving around, but nothing regarding a return to game action. Kentucky said at the time of his injury it would not be season-ending and that’s the last we’ve heard of an official update beyond informal statements from Pope the past couple of months.

As for Butler, we did receive a positive update from Pope on his status as he works his way back from a shoulder injury. When can fans expect to see him take the floor again?

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“Lamont is making progress,” Pope said during his call-in radio show Wednesday evening. “It’s a complicated situation, and so it’s gonna continue. We’re just gonna continue to kind of hope for the best.”

Nothing definitive, but progress is progress.

Get back soon, No. 1. The Cats need you.

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