Lamont Butler Embraces March Madness with Kentucky, Drawing on Past Success

With March Madness just around the corner, Kentucky guard Lamont Butler knows exactly what it takes to thrive in the NCAA Tournament. Having been battle-tested through years of postseason play, Butler is ready to lead his new team on another deep run — even while dealing with a lingering shoulder injury.

His message to his teammates? Stay calm and enjoy the moment.

"Just enjoy the moment, honestly," Butler said Sunday when asked what advice he’ll give to his teammates about the tournament. "March Madness is something that we all dream of. So, you know, not to be in a panic, just enjoy the moment. Play free, play fun, play for each other. And that’s gonna be my main message to everybody, for sure."

Butler is no stranger to the pressure of March. During his time at San Diego State, he was a key contributor in 11 NCAA Tournament games, starting in 10 of them. Known for stepping up in big moments, Butler delivered double-digit scoring performances in four of those contests. His 18-point outing against 6-seed Creighton in 2023 and a well-rounded effort of 15 points, four assists, four steals, and three rebounds against 12-seed UAB in 2024 showcased his ability to impact games on both ends of the floor.

Perhaps one of his most memorable moments came against 1-seed Alabama in 2023 when Butler played a pivotal role in a stunning upset. Despite scoring just four points, his contributions in other areas — including four rebounds, four assists, and three steals — made a significant impact. That same year, he also delivered a balanced 12-point, six-rebound, six-assist, and two-steal performance against 13-seed Furman.

Despite facing adversity with his shoulder injury, Butler remains determined to make an impact in Kentucky’s first-round matchup against 14-seed Troy on Friday night. The Wildcats will need his leadership and postseason experience as they navigate the pressure of March.

One thing that sets this Kentucky team apart from Butler’s previous squads at San Diego State is how quickly they’ve built chemistry. Despite being a group of new players thrown together and battling injuries throughout the season, Butler believes the bond they’ve formed is special.

"One thing I’ll say that’s similar is the bond that we have with each other," Butler said. "I feel like San Diego State that year (in 2023), we had a group so close together. We played for a long time together, but we had a great bond. But, you know, in this short time here at Kentucky, we’re really brothers now, so I think that’s really gonna take us far in this tournament."

As Kentucky prepares for its first-round game, Butler’s confidence and leadership will be crucial to the Wildcats’ success. His experience and passion for the game could make all the difference as the team chases a deep tournament run.