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The Kentucky Wildcats have found a veteran guard for next season.
On Friday, Creighton transfer Davion Mintz announced his commitment to the Wildcats. He is now the lone veteran on next year’s roster, which was previously set to consist of only first and second-year players. Mintz will also get a chance to compete for the starting point guard spot along with incoming freshman Devin Askew.
Not long after, Mintz spoke with 247 Sports’ Brian Snow about the decision to pick UK.
“I was looking for a place that I could have my experience and where I could make an immediate impact,” Mintz said. “I wanted to be at a great university. I want to be somewhere I can show skill set and where I can win games.
“I chose Kentucky because I felt it gave me the biggest platform to show my skillset to lead with and without the ball in my hands. I want to use my playing experience to help build a winning culture. I feel that Coach Cal and his leadership puts me in the best position to play at the next level.”
That “lead with and without the ball in my hands” has to be music to the ears of John Calipari, who is typically hesitant to add transfers. That sounds like the kind of veteran leadership this team was sorely missing for next season.
Even if Mintz doesn’t log 25+ minutes and average double figures per game, he can still have a very valuable role on the 2020-21 edition of Kentucky Basketball.