34 Bernard Butts

Bernard Butts was born in North Miami Beach, Florida. He starred at Hialeah High School, where he emerged as one of the nation’s top prep guards, earning Parade All-America honors, recognition as Florida’s Mr. Basketball, and twice being named the state’s most valuable player. The 6-foot left-hander averaged 30 points per game as a senior and was personally recruited by Adolph Rupp after the Kentucky coach traveled to Florida to watch him play.

Butts led Kentucky’s freshman team in scoring with an 18.7-point average during the 1959–60 season. He scored 29 points in his freshman debut against Lindsey Wilson Junior College and recorded a freshman career-high 35 points against Kentucky Christian. The 1962 Kentucky Basketball media guide praised his exceptional ball-handling ability and identified him as the standout performer on the freshman squad. As a sophomore, Butts appeared in six varsity games before transferring to the University of Miami, where he continued his collegiate career.