Kentucky Wildcats guard Lamont Butler expressed optimism ahead of their upcoming NCAA Tournament game against Illinois, stating he is “feeling really good.” Butler, who has been managing a shoulder injury, demonstrated his resilience in the Wildcats’ 76-57 victory over Troy. Despite not scoring, he contributed significantly with three assists, two rebounds, and a block in 25 minutes, earning a team-high plus/minus of +22.
Head coach Mark Pope praised Butler’s determination, acknowledging the severity of his injury yet highlighting his unwavering commitment to the team’s success. Pope expressed confidence in Butler’s readiness for the Illinois matchup, emphasizing his crucial role in Kentucky’s defensive strategies.
The Wildcats are preparing for a challenging game against the high-scoring Illinois team, which ranks ninth nationally in scoring at 83.9 points per game. Butler’s experience and defensive prowess will be vital as Kentucky aims to advance further in the tournament.
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