Their differences are making each other a better player.

Lamont Butler is going to lock you up, and Kerr Kriisa is going to light you up. They’re drastically different players, which could make each such great compliments for the Kentucky Wildcats, both within the game itself and throughout practices.

Butler came from San Diego State, while Kriisa transferred to Kentucky from West Virginia.

Butler’s leadership and energy are at the heart of his game. The athletic point guard is a two-time Mountain West Coast Defensive Player of the Year. Kriisa could add a much-needed offensive spark for the team by shooting light out from deep.

“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,” said Pope.

Pope couldn’t pass on the opportunity to discuss how Butler’s impressive defensive play is helping Kriisa in practice and vice versa.

“Lamont is the greatest gift to Kerr, because he just presses the living dead out of him. And Kerr is such a talented, offensive-minded player that he’s a real challenge for Lamont. 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,” Pope said.

When it comes to starting in the fall, Butler seems like the obvious option, but the team has more defensive-minded players than those who can easily put the ball in the bucket, making it a tricky decision, one that Pope isn’t set on yet.

The point guard captains the team, and in the SEC, that leadership is paramount. Both are older players and should be able to bring that energy to Rupp Arena in the fall.