Kentucky s Davion Mintz celebrates making a three against South Carolina.03/06/21 Kentucky Sc 20
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