Davion Mintz appreciates NIL opportunities but that is not why he returned to Kentucky

Davion Mintz (UK Athletics Photo)

Now that word has spread about the lucrative endorsement deals that Alabama quarterback Bryce Young has already secured, one has to wonder if the same kind of money might be there for big-time college basketball programs. Kentucky sixth-year guard Davion Mintz said the new name, image, and likeness protocols did not play a “direct part” in his decision to return for another year at Kentucky.

He knows the UK fan base provides support that could make a big impact with NIL.

“I am super appreciative of it and think this could help a lot of guys across the country,” Mintz said. “We can use the name to put ourselves in a better position for the future. We can use marketing skills to learn how to be an adult and professional. It’s an educational piece and can put us in a better position for the future.”

Mintz is not worried about potential NIL deals distracting athletes from winning goals. He says being surrounded by the right people and having the proper foundation to keep focused will be keys to not getting distracted.

“It’s hard to say that every player coming to Kentucky is not looking forward to being a professional,” Mintz said. “These situations will help you self-manage money and then will you have the same passion at the professional level when you get paid. It just falls back on the passion you have and keep.

“But you have to remember how you got to this level before you could get paid. I didn’t get here off my likeness.”