"They’re really the head of the snake for us": Mark Pope teases must-watch competition between Lamont Butler and Kerr Kriisa
Just like how he took time to create a completely new roster, Mark Pope is easing into his idea of choosing his starting point guard. Fans have been torn between placing Lamont Butler or Kerr Kriisa in the starting role. So, when Pope appeared on Kentucky Sports Radio on Thursday, he faced a challenging question.
While the coach chose to keep his rotations a secret, he utilized the situation to shed light on the importance of Kriisa and Butler. While reflecting on the priority of the situation, he touched on the two players having polar opposite personalities and game styles.
Nevertheless, Mark Pope shared that the two have cultivated a bond throughout the summer and made each other better with every practice.
“As individuals, always probably start these conversations with Lamont Butler and Kerr Kriisa,” Pope said.
“In some ways, they’re really the head of the snake for us. They could not be more different as human beings and basketball players. They’re great in different ways, and they’re brilliant, and they’ve actually become good friends. They add different things,” he added.
Given Mark Pope’s comments, it will not be a surprise when fans notice a matchup-oriented starting five by Kentucky. Kerr Kriisa might have more traditional point-guard-like tendencies, with his quick movements on the court and knack for always being on the hunt for an advantage.
However, Lamont Butler can operate the floor with the same efficiency on defense. Moreover, along with being able to pester guards, Butler has shown that he can take care of the offense in crucial moments.
Mark Pope shares how Lamont Butler and Kerr Kriisa are making each other better
Lamont Butler is looking to have a leadership presence for Kentucky while providing defensive cushioning. Meanwhile Kerr Kriisa is an offensive mastermind, who Pope had been pursuing for a year before he landed in Kentucky.
The two players have developed a reputation for going at each other at full speed during Kentucky practices, albeit making each other better at their craft.
“Listen, Lamont is the greatest gift to Kerr because he just presses the living dead out of him,” Mark Pope said during the aforementioned appearance.
“And Kerr is such a talented, offensive-minded player that he’s a real challenge for Lamont. Like, he’s really testing Lamont. Kerr is an incredible cutter. He shoots the lights out of the ball. He’s very, very clever. So, that matchup is super fun,” he added.
While Pope hasn't revealed his starting point guard yet, fans will get to have the first look at their new Wildcats roster at the Blue-White Preseason Event on Oct.18, a full scrimmage dedicated to fans at the Memorial Coliseum.