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via Imago

via Imago

Lamont Butler is the kind of player every coach dreams of — tough, talented, and clutch when it counts. Mark Pope knew exactly what he was getting when Butler committed to Kentucky, and so far, Butler’s been proving him right. “Lamont Butler is the definition of a winner,” Pope said early on, and Butler’s already living up to that label. The 6’2” guard has found his rhythm in Pope’s high-scoring offense, averaging 15.1 points per game through the first 11 matchups of the 2024–25 season. The Wildcats are thriving under Pope, putting up 91.3 points a game, and Butler’s a big reason why. With NBA buzz building, Butler is locked in — focused on becoming the offensive threat he’s always known he could be.

And it’s not just about basketball. Lamont’s style game is on point too. “From the court to the closet, bringing style to the game.” Whether he’s wearing his Hollister Game Day gear or working the courtside look, Lamont’s got swag both on and off the court. And speaking of his skills — did you hear about his 1st Premier Skills Camp? “We had a lot of fun and GOT BETTER‼️” he said, reflecting on the camp’s success and the support from all the kids, coaches, and parents who made it happen.

And of course, let’s not forget that moment. Butler reflected on hitting a clutch shot with two seconds left in a game: “They cut me off a little bit. I looked up, there was two seconds left, so I got to a shot that I’m comfortable with, and I hit it.” That’s the confidence of a player who knows what he’s capable of.

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But while Butler’s game is grabbing headlines, fans are curious about the man behind the player. What’s his story? 

What is Lamont Butler’s ethnicity?

Lamont Butler’s ethnicity is African-American, a strength and pride that you can see in the way he plays. His dad, Lamont Butler Sr., was a standout at Riverside Community College and Cal State San Bernardino in the ‘90s. He didn’t just pass on the genes — he coached Lamont’s youth teams and built up his basketball IQ early on. His mom, Carmicha Butler, is a nurse and Lamont’s rock.

And it doesn’t stop there — Lamont’s siblings have been key players in his journey too! His younger brother, Landon, is a rising star at Rancho Verde High School, already hoping to follow in Lamont’s footsteps. And — he grew up with three older sisters, Anaiqua, Amani, and Asasha, who all played basketball. With that kind of foundation, no wonder Lamont’s got game!

Butler’s been playing through injuries this season, but that hasn’t slowed him down. He put the whole country on notice with his insane 33-point performance in Kentucky’s 93–85 win over Louisville. Perfect 10-for-10 shooting. Perfect 6-for-6 from deep. Only the second SEC player in the last 20 years to drop 30+ points while shooting 100% from the field!

Kentucky’s handle nailed it: “🗣️ MVP, MVP, MVP. 33 PTS (10/10 FG, 6/6 3FG) | 6 AST | 3 REB.” Collin Chandler couldn’t have said it better: “Lamont is a vital part of our team, so we need him.” Yeah, Kentucky’s got a star on their hands.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Lamont Butler the next big NBA star, or is he just another college sensation?

Have an interesting take?

What is Lamont’s nationality? Where was he born?

Lamont Butler is American, born and raised in Riverside, California. He grew up in Moreno Valley, where basketball became his life. Riverside Poly High School is where he made his name. Four-year varsity starter? Check. Three-time team captain? Check. Led his team to a 27–7 record and a perfect 12–0 in Ivy League play his senior year? Big check. He averaged 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists that season, winning Ivy League MVP and setting school records left and right. Oh, and he also became Riverside Poly’s all-time leading scorer with over 1,800 career points — surpassing NBA legend Reggie Miller! Let that sink in.

Recruiters were lining up. ESPN ranked him as a four-star recruit and one of the top 50 point guards in the nation in 2020. Butler had offers from around 15 programs — Washington, Harvard, Boise State, and Colorado were all calling — but he chose San Diego State. Smart move. As a freshman, Butler played in all 28 games, even starting a couple. He averaged 4.3 points and 1.7 rebounds but showed flashes of greatness, including a season-high 13 points against Utah State. By his sophomore year, he had locked down a starting spot, averaging 7.3 points and 2.1 rebounds.

Then came his breakout in the 2022–23 season — and wow, what a season! Butler appeared in 39 games, starting 38, averaging 8.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in 25.9 minutes. But it wasn’t just the stats — it was the moments. Two game-winning buzzer-beaters. One against New Mexico on February 25. The other? In the Final Four against Florida Atlantic on April 1. “It’s unbelievable. It’s what I came here to do,” Butler said after that Final Four dagger.

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He became only the 38th player in SDSU history to score 1,000 points and the second player since 1996-97 to hit 1,000 points, 330 assists, 300 rebounds, and 175 steals. And then? He turned down six-figure NIL offers to transfer to Kentucky. Yeah, Butler’s different. And now, under Mark Pope, he’s averaging 15.1 points a game while Kentucky’s putting up 91.3 points per night. He’s not just playing — he’s dominating.

What religion does Lamont Butler follow?

Well, that’s the mystery! Butler hasn’t shared much about his religious beliefs, and his social media isn’t giving away any clues either. But you’ve got to wonder — what’s fueling this guy? Faith? Family? Sheer willpower? Whatever it is, it’s working. You don’t hit clutch shots in the Final Four and drop 33 on Louisville without something deeper driving you.

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“He’s a great player and a big part of the team,” says Andrew Carr — and after watching Lamont Butler’s journey, you’ll understand exactly why. This isn’t just any documentary — it’s an inside look at Lamont’s rise to basketball stardom, showcasing his growth on the court, his bond with family and friends, and his transition into a Kentucky Wildcat.

The full 30-minute documentary is now available on YouTube under the CarsonCookTalks channel. From unforgettable buzzer-beaters to moments of vulnerability, Lamont’s story is one of hard work, perseverance, and determination.

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Is Lamont Butler the next big NBA star, or is he just another college sensation?

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