Lamont Butler

Lamont Butler Jr. (born June 9, 2002) is an American college basketball player for the Kentucky Wildcats of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He previously played for the San Diego State Aztecs, who he led to a berth in the 2023 Final Four.

Early life and high school career
Butler grew up in and Moreno Valley, California and attended Riverside Polytechnic High School. He was a four-year starter for the school and broke the school's career scoring record, which was previously held by Reggie Miller. Butler was rated a three-star recruit and committed to playing college basketball for San Diego State over offers from Saint Mary's, Stanford, Washington, California, Colorado, USC, Boise State, and Utah State.

College career
Butler played in 28 games with two starts during his freshman season at San Diego State, averaging 4.3 points and 1.7 rebounds per game. He started 25 games as a sophomore and averaged 7.3 points and 2.1 rebounds per game and was named to the Mountain West Conference All-Defensive team. Butler missed several games due to a broken wrist. He was named third-team All-Mountain West and repeated as an All-Defensive selection during his junior season. In the semifinal of the 2023 NCAA tournament, Butler hit a buzzer-beating jump shot as time expired to beat Florida Atlantic 72–71 and send the Aztecs to the 2023 national championship game. He averaged 8.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. After the season, Butler entered his name into the 2023 NBA draft, but ultimately withdrew in order to return to San Diego State for his senior season.

Butler averaged 9.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game as a senior. Eligible for a fifth year due to COVID interruptions to his college career, Butler transferred to Kentucky.

Personal life
Butler's sister, Asasha Hall, was shot and killed in a domestic dispute on January 25, 2022.