Kentucky’s March Madness Dreams Hang in the Balance as Lamont Butler’s Injury Sparks Concern
“It’s feeling better. It’s feeling better,” insisted Lamont Butler in a recent press conference. But for Kentucky Wildcats fans, the concern lingers. The 22-year-old guard has battled ankle and shoulder injuries all season, missing six games due to a lingering shoulder issue. And while his words offer a glimmer of hope ahead of Kentucky’s March Madness opener, recent footage from practice paints a different picture.
Butler’s Shoulder Brace Raises Eyebrows
Earlier today, Tristan Pharis reported that Butler was back in a strapped shoulder brace during practice—this time limiting the motion in his left arm. Just last week, the senior guard was spotted wearing a brace on his right shoulder during Kentucky’s game against Oklahoma. While Butler maintains that he’s improving, the reality suggests otherwise.
“One thing to note is that Lamont Butler was back in the strapped shoulder brace today in practice, which limited his range of motion with his left arm.”
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda)
These fresh concerns come just weeks after Butler re-injured his shoulder during Kentucky’s SEC Tournament win over Oklahoma, forcing him to sit out the quarterfinal loss to Alabama. Mark Pope later claimed that had the Wildcats advanced, Butler “may have been able to play.” That statement initially gave fans confidence in Butler’s readiness for March Madness. But now, his availability seems questionable at best.
Kentucky’s Injury Woes Stack Up
The Wildcats are already short-handed heading into the tournament, with two key players ruled OUT:
- Jaxon Robinson recently underwent wrist surgery, officially sidelining him for the entire tournament.
- Kerr Kriisa hasn’t played since December 7 after breaking his foot in Kentucky’s 90-89 OT win over Gonzaga.
Now, with Butler’s status up in the air, Mark Pope’s squad faces a serious depth issue ahead of their first-round matchup against Troy.
Why Butler is Crucial Against Troy
The Wildcats haven’t made it past the NCAA Tournament’s first weekend since their 2019 regional final appearance. But this year, Lamont Butler could be the X-factor.
Despite battling injuries, Butler has been Kentucky’s most battle-tested postseason player, appearing in 11 NCAA Tournament games, including the 2023 title game. His perimeter defense, playmaking, and experience are vital against a Troy Trojans team that thrives on disciplined defense and a strong perimeter attack.
Butler’s Resume Speaks for Itself
Even while managing injuries, Butler has delivered on the biggest stages:
- 2023 vs. Creighton (6-seed): 18 points
- 2024 vs. UAB (12-seed): 15 points, 4 assists, 4 steals, 3 rebounds
- 2023 vs. Furman (13-seed): 12 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals
His season averages (11.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.3 APG), combined with his 49.2% shooting, highlight why Kentucky needs him on the floor. Without Butler, the Wildcats will be vulnerable against Troy’s sharp shooters and defensive pressure.
Can Butler Push Through the Pain?
With Selection Sunday marking him as “good to go”, Butler’s recent setbacks cast a shadow of doubt over Kentucky’s tournament hopes. Will he overcome his injuries to lead his team past Troy? Or will his absence send Kentucky packing early once again?
Who are you backing in this March Madness showdown—Kentucky Wildcats or Troy Trojans?
