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Some long-awaited news finally broke today in regards to the future of the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball program.
First to hit the timeline this morning was the silence finally being broken regarding senior guard Davion Mintz, as he announced his intentions to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility.
With Nolan Hickman being released from his letter of intent this past week, keeping Mintz in Lexington next season has become a bigger priority than was previously thought. Unfortunately, this means that this process could play out all the way until July 7th, which is the withdrawal deadline. Hopefully with the right feedback, we can expect a Mintz decision earlier than that.
Here are some highlights from this morning on Mintz.
.@deemintz1 has weighed a lot the last two months & that process will continue. Davion is going to use the resources available & "test the waters" by submitting his name for the @NBADraft.
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) May 3, 2021
He has our full support as he goes through the evaluation period.https://t.co/whLjaD85L2
UK guard Davion Mintz has declared for the NBA draft and left open the possibility of returning to Kentucky. He led UK in total points, 3-pointers and assists. He’s the 5th player to declare. Isaiah Jackson has also left open the option to return.
— Tom Lane (@TomLaneWDRB) May 3, 2021
BREAKING: Davion Mintz to test NBA Draft waters, not ruling out return to Kentucky
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) May 3, 2021
"I have not come to a decision yet of what I will ultimately do," he says.https://t.co/pwHLTOAmJz
Updated Kentucky Basketball Recruiting Priorities
— Brandon Ramsey (@BRamseyKSR) May 3, 2021
1. Marcus Carr
2. Sahvir Wheeler
3. TyTy Washington
4. Davion Mintz
5. Keion Brooks
6. CJ Fredrick
I hate moving Brooks down because I think he is an All-SEC player as a Junior, but the need for Guards continues to increase.
You can’t blame Davion Mintz for seeing where he ranks in the professional world, but if he was to return for a second year in Lexington he would have the keys and the chance for a real UK experience. Pretty attractive offer to come back.
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) May 3, 2021
"I have not come to a decision yet."
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) May 3, 2021
Davion Mintz still wrestling with stay or go, but he has finally officially submitted his name to the NBA Draft to test the waters. https://t.co/8SUwC2cELw
Davion Mintz officially “testing NBA waters” leaves door open to come back for 6th Year. #BBN
— TrueBlueBBN (@TrueBlueBBN) May 3, 2021
Davion Mintz is leaving the door open for a return to Kentucky, but there's a good chance he'll start his pro career next season. Several other guards have been linked to UK (and the Cats need some help) https://t.co/dodRjSewO4
— Ben Roberts (@BenRobertsHL) May 3, 2021
2021-2022 Kentucky basketball starting point guard Lance Ware
— Abolition is the only way (@abolition_now) May 3, 2021
From his leadership to his shooting to how much he improved over the course of the season, I really enjoyed coaching @deemintz1 this last season. I really believe if our team had been better and got into the NCAA Tournament somehow, his path would be clearer.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) May 3, 2021
I cannot help but roll my eyes at the worry warts when it comes to Cal and his roster next year. Like give me a break
— Greg (@GregNJ) May 3, 2021
I think it will come down to who Kentucky adds and how hard Cal pushes for him to return. It’s smart for Mintz to at least go through the process.
— Big Blue Express (@bigbluexpress) May 3, 2021
It didn’t stay quiet for to long today, though. This afternoon, Chris Fisher of Cats Pause broke news that Ron “Chin” Coleman will be the other assistant coach to join John Calipari’s staff this offseason.
The big name around Big Blue Nation has been Orlando Antigua making his return to Kentucky, and rightfully so. The hire of Coleman, however, should be one fans get excited about as well.
Coleman has great ties both on the recruiting trail, as well as being known for his development of guards, all of which should be music to fans’ ears.
Here are some highlights of the good news Kentucky fans have been yearning for.
Illinois assistant Chin Coleman has informed head coach Brad Underwood he's leaving for Kentucky, a source tells https://t.co/zDtvmwuNcz.https://t.co/0yNXTf1Hov #BBN pic.twitter.com/C32wBnuPrG
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) May 3, 2021
Illinois Assistant Ron Coleman has reportedly informed the school that he will accept the position at Kentucky, per TheCatsPause. #BBN pic.twitter.com/CVvxV47fph
— Cats Coverage (@CatsCoverage_) May 3, 2021
— Kyle Eden (@dragonlord741) May 3, 2021
Congrats 2 my guy Chin Coleman as he moves on to Kentucky. Seems like yesterday he was here in Peoria coaching at Bradley. Well deserved. #EYBL2D1
— David Williams (@Dwilliams1515) May 3, 2021
Previously played at Illinois....
— Kentucky Sports Talk (@KentuckyZone) May 3, 2021
Connection with Antigua or Coleman? https://t.co/BmtVqyHHRd
Kentucky's two job postings for its assistant coach openings expire today, so wait for official announcements on both Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman shouldn't take long. Needless to say, UK needs their recruiting efforts sooner rather than later.
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) May 3, 2021
Orlando Antigua, Chin Coleman, Jai Lucas & Bruiser Flint is such an elite staff
— BEEZY (@Burke_Franklin_) May 3, 2021
It doesn’t get any better than that. Sky isn’t falling for Cal
— ThrowboyTees (@ThrowboyTees) May 3, 2021
Former Illinois star Ayo Dosunmu confirms Chin Coleman's departure (and addition to the Kentucky coaching staff). https://t.co/GiPBe1giOs
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) May 3, 2021
Chin Coleman and Orlando Antigua coming back to UK
— Nathan Atkins III (@nateatkins0) May 3, 2021
Seems like the coaching staff is finished. Chin Coleman was with Illinois since 2017. He was one of the best recruiters for Illinois along with Orlando.
— Sidelines - Kentucky (NCAA Volleyball Champs) (@SSN_Kentucky) May 3, 2021
He got 4⭐️ Adam Miller, 4⭐️Tevian Jones, 3⭐️Brandin Podziemski to commit to Illinois.
He will bring energy to the Wildcats. https://t.co/2s1ZCJiiZL
Assistant Coach Chin Coleman has told Illinois he is coming to Kentucky according to Cats Pause
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) May 3, 2021
News is finally starting to actually take shape with the Assistant Coach hires. It is yet to be seen exactly what role Chin Coleman will fill on Kentucky's bench, but he is coming to Lexington! https://t.co/fMd8R8MMRs
— Brandon Ramsey (@BRamseyKSR) May 3, 2021
I'll say this: John Calipari deserves the criticism he got this season. But - assuming everything goes as planned - hiring the two best assistants, off one of the best staffs in the country, is one of the most impressive things he's done as Kentucky's head coach #Respect
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) May 3, 2021
https://t.co/6ADFduuNAt pic.twitter.com/LNhS50wPv3
— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) May 3, 2021
Let us know what you think about both in the comments below! And send us your favorite tweets if we missed any!