Rising Stars Assemble: Lamont Butler Joins Amari Williams and Jaland Lowe at 2025 NBA G League Elite Camp in Chicago, Eyeing Next Big Leap to the League
The road to the NBA is paved with opportunities, and three standout collegiate stars are now one step closer to realizing their professional dreams. Lamont Butler, the gritty and battle-tested guard from San Diego State, has officially been invited to join Amari Williams (Drexel) and Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh) at the 2025 NBA G League Elite Camp in Chicago—an exclusive pre-draft showcase for top prospects on the cusp of making the leap to the pros.
Set to take place at Wintrust Arena in Chicago from May 11–14, the G League Elite Camp gives under-the-radar prospects a final platform to impress NBA and G League scouts, front office personnel, and decision-makers. While not as high-profile as the NBA Draft Combine, it serves as a crucial proving ground—one that has launched several careers into the NBA or high-level international play.
Lamont Butler: Defensive Dynamo with a Clutch Gene
For Lamont Butler, the invitation is the latest chapter in a decorated college career. Known nationally for his game-winning buzzer-beater in the 2023 Final Four, Butler carved out a reputation as one of the most tenacious perimeter defenders in college basketball. A two-time Mountain West All-Defensive Team selection, he brings an elite motor, a strong basketball IQ, and growing offensive versatility to the table.
Butler averaged 9.3 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in his senior season, helping lead San Diego State back to the NCAA Tournament while serving as a vocal leader and defensive anchor. His intangibles and postseason poise have drawn the attention of scouts looking for a two-way guard who can contribute immediately at the pro level.
Amari Williams: A Towering Force from Drexel
Joining Butler in Chicago is Amari Williams, a dominant big man and three-time Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year. Standing at 6-foot-10, Williams averaged a near-double-double in the 2024-25 season with 12.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. His interior presence, rim protection, and improved footwork make him a legitimate sleeper pick in this year’s class.
Williams’ invitation to the G League Elite Camp is a testament to his steady rise and the increasing respect for mid-major prospects who consistently dominate their level of competition.
Jaland Lowe: A Freshman Phenom on the Rise
Rounding out the trio is Jaland Lowe, a high-upside freshman who made waves at Pittsburgh with his playmaking vision, court awareness, and smooth shooting stroke. Averaging 10.8 points and 4.7 assists per game, Lowe emerged as one of the top young guards in the ACC despite stiff competition.
His quick first step, ability to run the offense, and composure beyond his years have earned him comparisons to some of the league’s top young guards. Though he may still have developmental years ahead, Lowe’s raw talent and upside have scouts eager to see more in a competitive camp environment.
High Stakes, Big Dreams
The G League Elite Camp will include drills, measurements, scrimmages, and interviews, allowing players to showcase their all-around skill sets in a controlled, highly evaluated setting. In recent years, several participants have earned last-minute call-ups to the NBA Draft Combine or signed Exhibit 10 or two-way contracts with NBA franchises.
For Butler, Williams, and Lowe, this is more than just a camp—it’s an audition, a career springboard, and a chance to stake their claim among a talented crop of hopefuls vying for NBA attention.
Fans can follow the action through G League and NBA channels as the trio represents not only their schools but the dreams of every underdog who believes they belong on basketball’s biggest stage.
