Kentucky leading scorer Davion Mintz decided the NBA can wait.
Mintz tested the NBA draft process in recent weeks but opted to return to the Wildcats for the 2021-22 season.
“I really appreciate the support from my coaches, my teammates and my family while I went through this process,” Mintz said Thursday in a statement. “I wanted to give it a real shot and I feel like I did that. I know that I am ready and closer to my ultimate goal of playing in the NBA. Having said that, my heart has guided me back to Kentucky for one more year. I want another season on the national stage to prove that I am ready to play at the highest level.”
Mintz is the first Kentucky leading scorer to return the following season since Randolph Morris came back in 2006-07.
Mintz averaged 11.5 points and a team-best 3.1 assists per game in a down year for the program.
“I am so happy for Davion because he was able to explore all of his options and decided to come back to a place that he loves,” coach John Calipari said in a statement. “He is one of the most appreciative players I have coached in my time here. … Our team is different than last season and there is more competition, but there is no question that Davion makes us better.”
–Field Level Media