Kentucky basketball has been facing a wave of injury concerns, and the latest player to add to the list is point guard Lamont Butler, who missed the Wildcats’ recent game against Gonzaga due to an ankle injury. While his status for upcoming games remains uncertain, there is some hope that he will be back in action for Kentucky’s next game against Colgate on Wednesday, December 11th. However, with a few days still remaining before the matchup, his availability is still up in the air. Here’s a closer look at the situation:
Butler’s Near Return for Gonzaga
Butler came very close to playing in the Gonzaga game, with the decision ultimately being made only minutes before the contest. During pre-game shootaround, Butler tested his injured ankle in an effort to determine if he could play, but the coaching staff decided that he wasn’t quite explosive enough to take the court safely. The risk of aggravating the injury was deemed too great, and head coach Mark Pope made the prudent decision to sit him out. The good news is that Butler’s recovery is progressing well, even though he wasn’t cleared for the game against Gonzaga. His close call indicates that his injury isn’t as severe as initially feared, and there is optimism that he could return soon.
Coach Pope spoke about the situation after the Gonzaga game, sharing his thoughts on Butler’s recovery:
“He came to shootaround today and we kind of just tried to push it a little bit, but it just wasn’t working. I do think Lamont is making good progress,” Pope remarked.
The Importance of Butler’s Return
With Kerr Kriisa also injured during the Gonzaga game, Kentucky’s backcourt depth has been severely tested. Kriisa’s non-contact injury raised immediate concern, and there is worry that he might be out for a longer period. While Pope remained optimistic about Kriisa’s toughness—describing him as “tough as nails” and emphasizing how difficult it would be to keep him sidelined—imaging will need to be done when the team returns to Lexington to assess the extent of the damage.
Butler’s return, if it happens in time for the Colgate game, would provide a much-needed boost to the Wildcats’ rotation, especially considering Kriisa’s injury. Butler has been a key contributor for Kentucky, and his leadership on the court will be crucial for maintaining balance and cohesion during this challenging stretch.
What Happens If Butler Can’t Go Against Colgate?
If Butler is still unavailable for Kentucky’s next game, the Wildcats will likely turn to alternative options to handle point guard duties. After the Gonzaga game, where Jaxson Robinson stepped up in a critical moment, Pope may again rely on Robinson to run the point guard position. Robinson played a pivotal role in the overtime win, showing off his versatility and poise under pressure, so it’s possible that the team may turn to him once again in Butler’s absence.
Alternatively, freshman Travis Perry, who has yet to see substantial minutes, could also be given a chance to prove himself in the role. The game against Colgate, a less challenging matchup compared to conference opponents, might provide a solid opportunity for Perry to gain valuable experience without the pressure of facing top-tier competition. While his youth could be an issue in tougher games, the Colgate matchup might allow Perry to ease into a more prominent role in the future.
What’s Next for Kentucky Basketball?
The next few days will be crucial for Kentucky, as the Wildcats must navigate injuries to key backcourt players. Both Butler and Kriisa’s recoveries will have a significant impact on Kentucky’s strategy as conference play approaches. If Butler can make his return, the Wildcats’ chances of maintaining their rhythm improve greatly, especially with the added challenge of competing without one of their primary ball handlers.
Kentucky fans will be watching closely for updates on Butler’s injury, hoping that he will be ready to suit up for the Colgate game and that Kriisa’s recovery doesn’t sideline him for too long. For now, the Wildcats must remain resilient and adapt to whatever lineup they have at their disposal—both in terms of health and talent—if they are to stay competitive in the challenging stretch ahead.