Prospect Spotlight: Lamont Butler (2020)
There are few young point guards in Southern California who can be described as having a “throwback” feel to their game.
The number of prospects who embrace a drive-and-kick to an open shooter, execute a basic post-entry pass or simply get off the ball and set a down screen for a teammate is dwindling fast.
Riverside Poly’s Lamont Butler is one of those players.
He’s a high IQ, pass-first point guard whose dishes carry energy and empower his teammates on both the club and high school levels.
Lamont Butler averaged 12 points and six assists as a freshman at Riverside Poly.Poly finished the season with 19-11 record behind Butler’s 12 points and six assists per game on 45 percent shooting and 75 percent from the free throw line.
“We just have to keep working,” Butler said of elevating his high school team. “We had some mishaps last season, but now we have better team camaraderie and we’re doing well.”
One of the biggest lessons learned by the 5-foot-9 guard in his freshman season was how to be a leader.
“I have to lead by example,” he said. “Some of these guys aren’t used to the higher level of basketball, so I just try and help show them how to compete.”
While Butler is one of the better passers and ball handlers in Southern California, he’s aware that his jump shooting is still a work in progress.
“I’m definitely working on my shooting,” Butler said. “Being more consistent and confident so I can knock down shots when I’m open. I also need to be more aggressive offensively – getting to the basket and looking for my shot more.
“I’m doing 100 set shots and 100 pull up jumpers every day,” Butler added about his shooting regimen. “I’m always working on my ball handling, too.”
The sophomore-to-be has two early offers and is drawing plenty of interest from some good programs. He also knows one criteria a school will need to meet when it’s decision time.
“I have offers from UC Riverside and Montana,” he said. “I’ve heard from Stanford and Pepperdine. I’m looking to see how the coaches and players interact.”