George Mason reflects attitude of star Butler

	Lamar Butler celebrates George Mason's first trip to the Final Four after the Patriots upended UConn last Sunday. John Biever/SI

When George Mason takes the floor against Florida on Saturday night, keep an eye on Patriots guard Lamar Butler. You'll notice him immediately. He's the one always smiling, always waving at the crowd, always patting his heart after a big play. He exudes happiness and confidence.

"We are a reflection of Lamar Butler," said Mason coach Jim Larranaga the night before his Patriots upset No. 1 seed UConn 86-84 at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. "He enjoys life and is very, very positive. He has great charisma, a beautiful smile. He's outgoing and he's friendly. At the same time, he is very dedicated to the game of basketball and wants to be good."

Butler's infectious personality was on display last weekend, when the Patriots' historic run lifted them to the Final Four. He embraced the throngs of elated Mason fans, posed for pictures and signed autographs -- he even stayed up until 2 a.m. one night at the student center to spend time with his supporters.

He also welcomed the media. When a Fox News correspondent came to campus to film the communications major, Butler asked if he could take over the microphone, get behind the camera and do interviews himself.

And when it comes to the team, Butler always makes sure everyone is loose and having a great time. "Lamar jokes around a lot," said sophomore center Will Thomas. "He always tries to sing old-school R&B songs, but he can't sing. The other day it was Gold Digger by Kanye West and Unpredictable by Jamie Foxx."

Now picture the 6-foot-2, 170-pound Butler on the court against the Huskies -- smiling. Yes, he shoots 44.8 percent from the field, is Mason's career leader in three-pointers (295) and is averaging 15.0 points a game in the tournament.

But did he realize that he was guarding Rashad Anderson, the 6-5, 215-pound future NBA star?