Is Butler quietly preparing for a run at Redemption?

[MdWIldcat55]

Kentucky fans don't seem to focus much on the fact that the Cats' point guard won a Final Four game with a last second shot and played in the Championship game...

But I suspect it is something that motivates Lamont Butler constantly, and that he has preached among the UK team, as its point guard and leader: This is what it feels to get so close to the championship.

In the past couple games he has seemed to be getting back to 85-90 percent of himself physically. He probably feels like he is close to getting back to the level where he can take over a game, as he did in the Louisville game...

It is impossible to say how the next four weeks play out. But wouldn't it be electrifying to watch Butler will this team to where he took San Diego State two years ago? What a fabulous chapter that would be in Kentucky basketball lore...

 

[CastleRubric]

Ooooooo i LIKE this post

I think YES is the answer but i don't wanna say that and ruin the ambiance

 

[CatFanInIlliniLand]

I love this idea ….

I’m just not sure he’s even at 85-90%.

 

[gbl97]

Our best hope is that yesterday was just the start of 3 weeks of hot shooting. Teams who get hot from 3 are the ones who advance.

 

[megablue]

Our best hope is that yesterday was just the start of 3 weeks of hot shooting. Teams who get hot from 3 are the ones who advance.

Plus, when you don’t shoot well early in NCAAT games … it often really gets into players’ heads and they feel the pressure. Strategic use of timeouts to calm jitters is critical.

 

[runt#69]

I think you're on to something here. But I would expand the thought a little bit.

It includes EVERYONE. All these senior guys know this is their last shot. Carr is getting back to closer to 100%, I think Butler is getting better too. They're still not 100% and might not get back to physically be 100% by the time the NCAA tournament begins. But ALL of them want to win it all.

We have faced the loss of Robinson and Kriisa. We accept our road and have a team full of players that can MAKE shots. Brea looks to be a lethal weapon from anywhere on the floor. Oweh is rock solid tough. Williams is as fresh as anyone and he is our anchor. Carr can be the MVP on any given night, given the matchup. Butler is our unquestioned floor general. Our starting 5 is as tough as anyone, even without Robinson. The remaining players have come along strong and have learned the lessons they needed to, we know they will be needed and can be counted on.

And defensively, this team is vastly different in just the past 3 weeks. That's the biggest difference.

I think they'll all have a moment to step up and shine in, both in the SEC tournament as well as the NCAA.

Redemption for a team full of leaders (and Big Blue Nation) would be getting to the Final Four this year, and winning #9 (which is a distinct possibility this year, thank you for this wonderful year, Coach Pope!) is something we can and SHOULD embrace the chance for.

Now is the time and we have the experience and talent to do it. I am so happy to have had this season. We ain't done yet. We're just getting started.

Go Big Blue !

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

Butler is my favorite player on this team. I certainly hope you’re right!

 

[NociHTTP]

When Butler is facilitating, this team is dangerous. But I wonder if some team is going to go right at his shoulder and remove that piece of the puzzle.

 

[runt#69]

When Butler is facilitating, this team is dangerous. But I wonder if some team is going to right at his shoulder and remove that piece of the puzzle.

I hate that thought, but share it. Go right at him and take him out, if not with fouls (like Mizzou tried) or just wound him. If they can get away with any dirty shots on us, they'll sure take them.

I just hope they all can get as close to 100% healthy heading into the final games here. The healthier we are, the better we are, and that is only bad news for whomever we play.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Kentucky fans don't seem to focus much on the fact that the Cats' point guard won a Final Four game with a last second shot and played in the Championship game...

But I suspect it is something that motivates Lamont Butler constantly, and that he has preached among the UK team, as its point guard and leader: This is what it feels to get so close to the championship.

In the past couple games he has seemed to be getting back to 85-90 percent of himself physically. He probably feels like he is close to getting back to the level where he can take over a game, as he did in the Louisville game...

It is impossible to say how the next four weeks play out. But wouldn't it be electrifying to watch Butler will this team to where he took San Diego State two years ago? What a fabulous chapter that would be in Kentucky basketball lore...

Excellent post! Been talking about this with my wife for about a month now. She had forgotten about Butler’s shot in that FF. I remember when we were watching that game live.

Anyway, Butler is definitely a valuable piece to have, with all of his experience and tournament experience. Very good luxury to have for sure. I’m glad he’s our PG.

Would’ve been nice to have had Kerr and Robinson. Kerr has a lot of tournament experience as well. That’s a discussion for another day.

 

[ftp000]

This is the time for the whole team to peak. I am sure the Rhodes Scholar has scientifically plotted a way to make that happen.
I'll consider Butler to be at full ability when he starts making layups.
Inbound plays and missed layups are the only things I yell at my TV over. Which is better than the last few seasons. I threw shoes..so many shoes.

 

[shaudyshaud]

He is definitely the key to a deep run . I’m hoping he can stay healthy because he makes a big difference on both sides of the ball .

 

[G-PIP]

Kentucky fans don't seem to focus much on the fact that the Cats' point guard won a Final Four game with a last second shot and played in the Championship game...

But I suspect it is something that motivates Lamont Butler constantly, and that he has preached among the UK team, as its point guard and leader: This is what it feels to get so close to the championship.

In the past couple games he has seemed to be getting back to 85-90 percent of himself physically. He probably feels like he is close to getting back to the level where he can take over a game, as he did in the Louisville game...

It is impossible to say how the next four weeks play out. But wouldn't it be electrifying to watch Butler will this team to where he took San Diego State two years ago? What a fabulous chapter that would be in Kentucky basketball lore...

It would be fantastic to see Butler drive this team to the promise land. But I don’t think it’s a fair notion to put on him (not that you‘re doing that). I think many agree with you (I know I do) in appreciating how extraordinarily good Butler really was, and what he is doing for the team now. But Butler is really kind of a shell of himself now, and from what I understand the situation is not going to get better before the end of the season. Butler said he was playing at 85-90%, but I think he’s overestimating that by a good bit. And that thick shoulder wrap that goes all the way around his body makes me think of trying to play with a harness on. Still, he soldiers on, giving it everything he’s got, because he knows this team has to have him to have any chance to advance. But I don’t think it’s realistic to think Butler will be able to play close to what he was prior to the injury.

 

[JohnnyGreen1975]

 

[Rideordiewildcat]

His shot did not return with him. Love the guy but I'd say he's more like 65%.

 

[Fox2monk]

Excellent post! Been talking about this with my wife for about a month now. She had forgotten about Butler’s shot in that FF. I remember when we were watching that game live.

Anyway, Butler is definitely a valuable piece to have, with all of his experience and tournament experience. Very good luxury to have for sure. I’m glad he’s our PG.

Would’ve been nice to have had Kerr and Robinson. Kerr has a lot of tournament experience as well. That’s a discussion for another day.

That game was crazy good.

 

[G-PIP]

His shot did not return with him. Love the guy but I'd say he's more like 65%.

Completely understandable, right? Even a guy like me who wasn't a great shooter knows that the off shoulder is still part of the shooting motion, and that it developed with tons of shots and the parts moving in sync. Now the left shoulder is hurt and restricted somewhat, so how could his shot not be affected? It appears to me that because of the issues he knows he's having Butler is not at all looking to shoot from the perimeter unless he's wide open with lots of time.

 

[kywildcats8]

Our most important player !!!!

 

[ImTheVillageIdiot]

Our most important player is Amari Williams.

Agreed. 👍

 

[Rideordiewildcat]

Here's the charge he took yesterday that they criminally called a block. #investigateSECrefs lol

 

[pauled]

The SEC tournament will be a hack fest, I just hope Butler stays healthy!

 

[wkycatfan]

He just needs to stay on the court, no more diving for loose balls, try to not to fall on layups.

 

[Tf2217]

This is the time for the whole team to peak. I am sure the Rhodes Scholar has scientifically plotted a way to make that happen.
I'll consider Butler to be at full ability when he starts making layups.
Inbound plays and missed layups are the only things I yell at my TV over. Which is better than the last few seasons. I threw shoes..so many shoes.

Oh yeah the annoyances and TV screams have cut down at least 80%. But they've stayed consistent with the refs.

 

[wardlow]

Here's the charge he took yesterday that they criminally called a block. #investigateSECrefs lol

View embedded media

No reason to try to take a charge anymore, they clearly won’t call it.

 

[TTTblue24]

If carr can give us anything close to what he did Saturday & add butler getting healthier each game, this team can make a run this week and the next month. I liked that pope tightened up the rotation in the 2nd half on Saturday as well, gotta run with the starting 5 this next month and hope we stay out of foul trouble.

 

[billoliver40]

This is the last go round for six of these guys. Some players embrace it, some have the moment over take them.

The defensive effort has definitely improved. Personally I think Chandler has embodied the old adage 'offense comes and goes, defense is what you carry in every game'.

The healing up of Butler and Carr has come at a great time. Oweh is a bit of a wild card...he can take over a game BUT he can cut his own team out. Garrison is either a lift or an anchor to a team....but he can influence a game. Almonor has become the forgotten man but he is kind of a quiet glue. Brea has been playing like a guy that realizes yes the scouts really are seeing if I have more than a 3 point shot.
Our other 2 frosh are embracing the roles of try not to let it get away from you.

Been a memorable year. The tourneys are a whole different animal. Toss it up and let's go.