Butch Lee

Puerto Rican basketball guard who led Marquette to 1977 NCAA Championship, becoming first Puerto Rican to win NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award.

Butch Lee was born in New York City in 1956 of Puerto Rican heritage and attended Marquette University under the legendary coach Al McGuire. He was the point guard of the 1977 national championship team — McGuire's final game as head coach before his retirement. Lee was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player after averaging 21.3 points per game across the tournament. The championship game against North Carolina — won 67-59 — was one of college basketball's most emotionally charged moments as McGuire, who had announced his retirement before the tournament began, was seen weeping on the bench as the clock ran out. Lee's performance across the tournament was outstanding — his ability to direct McGuire's motion offence while producing scoring when needed was the on-court execution of a coaching system perfected over years. He represented Puerto Rico internationally in basketball competitions. He was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks and played several professional seasons. His legacy is tied inextricably to that 1977 championship night and the emotional farewell of one of basketball's most colourful coaching personalities.

Lee was known for his exceptional court vision and ability to control the tempo of games as a point guard. He possessed quick hands and feet that made him effective at stealing passes and creating turnovers. His leadership skills and clutch shooting ability made him particularly dangerous in high-pressure situations.

Lee remains one of the most celebrated players in Marquette basketball history and helped establish the program's national prominence in the 1970s.

• National Championship (1977)
• Tournament MOP (1977)
• All-American