Blue Devil Country

Transfer Guard on Duke Basketball Radar Commits to Kentucky

Options are dwindling in the Duke basketball staff's search for a guard in the transfer portal.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball transfer interest Lamont Butler
Former Duke basketball transfer interest Lamont Butler / James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
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Roughly 24 hours after reports surfaced of former San Diego State guard Lamont Butler entering the transfer portal and receiving interest from the Duke basketball coaches — among a long list of others from Power 6 conferences — the 6-foot-2, 200-pound college hoops veteran came off the board by announcing his commitment to Kentucky on Friday night.

RELATED: Electrifying Transfer Kadary Richmond Hears From Blue Devils

Butler, best known for his Final Four heroics as a junior to propel the Aztecs over Florida Atlantic and into the 2023 title bout, is a graduate with one year of eligibility remaining to play for new Kentucky head coach Mark Pope. The 21-year-old, a former three-star recruit in the 2020 cycle, averaged 9.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists as a full-time starter for San Diego State this past season.

Meanwhile, Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and his gang aren't currently trending for any perimeter players in the transfer portal. However, keep in mind that the May 1 deadline to enter the portal is still a few days away.

Also, it's worth keeping an eye on a couple of proven backcourt weapons who entered the portal within the past few days and have already reportedly heard from the Blue Devils. They are Miami junior Wooga Poplar and Seton Hall senior Kadary Richmond.

RELATED: Duke Recruiters Eye One Familiar Face in Transfer Portal

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI for more updates on the ongoing Duke basketball transfer pursuits and other Blue Devil news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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