Davion Mintz could certainly make UK fans happy if he came back for another season. (SEC Photo)
Just a few minutes after Kentucky lost to Mississippi State Thursday in the Southeastern Conference Tournament to end its season, senior Davion Mintz was asked what the time frame might be for a decision about his future. He was a grad transfer from Creighton and this was his fifth year in college. But all athletes have the option of a do-over year and Mintz has not ruled out returning to UK for another season.
“No idea. Just lost. I’m just processing that now. Make sure my body is healthy, decide whenever that time comes,” Mintz said about his time frame.
I was convinced he probably would not be back after the way he finished the season showing he could not only make shots, including clutch shots, and also running the point.
However, one person with numerous professional ties says he believes Mintz will return rather than try his luck with the NBA and probably be a G-League player. I thought maybe Europe/overseas would be a solid option but the same person told me money for guards overseas is not overwhelming and that staying another year at UK would not cost him that much money based on an overseas contract.
“With anything that you want, I mean, there’s going to be struggles. But if you have determination, I mean, you can accomplish whatever you want,” Mintz said after the Mississippi State loss. “That could be small victories. It may not be the ultimate goal.
“If you stay resilient through the process, challenge yourself and fight, then sometimes it may work in your favor, sometimes it won’t. Either way, you just have to keep fighting.”
Mintz always did that. I cannot think of one time I thought he quit on the season. He also obviously cared about winning and his team.
“Yeah, it pisses me off, for sure. I mean, it’s just been like the punch of our season. It’s always the last four minutes,” Mintz said after the tourney loss. “I wish we could have executed it. I mean, I was really looking forward to moving on. Everyone had a winning attitude coming into this tournament. No one had any type of disbelief.
“Even Terrence (Clarke_coming back to try to fight and play with us. It’s not like guys were not looking forward to making a run.”
Now UK fans can maybe look forward to Mintz coming back to perhaps be the backcourt anchor for a much, much better 2021-22 season at UK.
