Could Kentucky graduate and transfer Davion Mintz for a second season in Lexington and sixth as a college basketball player? It is something he will discuss at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season.
After rumors surfaced about Mintz’s potential interest in a second season in Kentucky in recent weeks – KSR’s own Matt Jones broke the news on February 3, followed by The Athletic’s Kyle Tucker, acknowledging the possibility on February 7. Guard 3 said he would sit down with his coaches and family at the end of the season and finalize his future plans.
Is another year in Lexington at stake? He did not deny the possibility.
“Still excited (from being in Kentucky). As I said, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made, ”Mintz told the media on Tuesday. “And I’ve been running my marathon and I’ve been chasing my dreams for years. And coming to Kentucky, I knew that a place like this would take me exactly where I need to go to the next level. I don’t know how long it will take, I don’t know what my plan is, my path, what is best for me and that’s what I have to evaluate at the end of the season with the coaches and my family. But now, I’m focused on Vanderbilt and our upcoming games and how I can help this team to be in a better position. “
When asked about graduate school and whether the timing of his graduation would affect his decision to return for a second season in Kentucky, Mintz was unsure, but said he is “very serious” in achieving his dreams and knows that the UK will let it reach them.
“I’m not sure, I know it’s something that I’m on track to achieve maybe later this year, just depending on how it goes, for my master’s degree,” said Mintz. “As I said, it will be one of those things that I will have to evaluate more with my coaches and my family. I take my dreams very seriously and I know that whatever this place can take me to where I need to be with my work ethic. So, I’m just going to finish the season and see where it takes me. “
Back on February 3, Matt Jones of KSR broke the news of Mintz’s potential return, noting that there was a “really good chance” that the UK would bring him back for another year.
“I was told (2 February) that there is a same good chance they’ll bring Davion Mintz back for another year,”Said Jones. “I think that would be a good thing. If they do, it will be extremely useful for them. … Let’s be realistic, wasn’t he our best player this year? If you were to choose an MVP, wouldn’t it be the choice? “
Following KSR’s initial report, The Athletic’s Kyle Tucker also shared similar news on February 7, adding that “there is a real possibility” that Kentucky might decide to bring Mintz back as a sixth-year veteran.
“Creighton’s transfer takes place in a two-year graduate program in Kentucky and, according to several sources, he would like to finish this course,” wrote Tucker. “So, thanks to the NCAA granting a free year of eligibility in the midst of this pandemic, there is a real possibility that Mintz will be back in the sixth year of last year.
Over 19 games, Mintz has averaged 9.9 points, the highest of his career, with 3.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 29.5 minutes per dispute. Most importantly, the graduate transfer guard took down three 3-point jumpers in Kentucky games against Vanderbilt, Arkansas and Auburn, with the marks against the Commodores and Tigers proving to be the winners.
“It is a great move for this team and it is a great move for Davion,” said John Calipari of Mintz’s victory against Auburn on Saturday. “Do you still remember the Vanderbilt game, we made a small hammer screen on the weak side and he dropped it and ended the game. What he did (Saturday) are daggers. It takes a single guy, and I’ll tell you why: they can’t be afraid to lose the photo. This is the one who will do that. If the guy’s eyes are like this and his mouth is moving, he is probably afraid of missing the shot, all right. Now, that guy is not going to make it; oh, it was so close. Yes, but the guy who is not afraid of making mistakes, I take care of the foul, but I’m shooting this and this is a dagger. Proud of him.”
Calipari asked for “dagger snipers” and found one in Mintz.
And by the looks of it, he may be getting the same dagger launcher in season two in Lexington.