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There is just one remaining piece to the puzzle for the Kentucky Wildcats after Davion Mintz announced that he is returning to Kentucky for another season.
Last season, Mintz averaged 11.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and a steal. He was one of if not the most consistent player all last season and became the go to guy in the clutch moments.
Thanks to the transfer market and signing freshman TyTy Washington, the Cats are going to have a very good backcourt next season but adding Mintz to the fold has made them one of if not the best backcourt in the country.
This is also the first time in the Calipari era that the leading scorer from the previous season has returned.
The final piece that has the BBN constantly checking their phones for an update is Jalen Duren.
The 6-10 center is currently the No. 1 overall player in the 2022 class, but it has been rumored that he is likely to be making the move to 2021.
Duren has already taken official visits to Miami, Memphis, and wrapped up his visit to Lexington on Wednesday.
The next update we should expect from Duren is Friday when he trims his options from 11 down to 5. Many believe those 5 will include Kentucky, Memphis, Miami, Michigan, and the G-League.
Rivals recruiting analyst Rob Cassidy still believes the G-League is in the drivers’ seat but noted that Kentucky is likely the college leader for Duren.
However, the new NIL rules that took effect Thursday morning could change things and make college a more likely option.
If Duren were to pick the Wildcats, they very likely become the preseason favorite to win it all next season. They may even challenge for the right to be called John Calipari’s best team ever, certainly his deepest.
As we all wait on the official decision from Duren, lets see how confident the BBN is that we add Duren to the roster.
Will Kentucky have Jalen Duren next season?
Poll
Will Kentucky have Jalen Duren next season?
Here is how Twitter reacted to Davion Mintz returning to Kentucky.
— Davion Mintz (@deemintz1) July 1, 2021
#BBN, @deemintz1 really appreciated the birthday love yesterday.
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) July 1, 2021
He wants to return the favor ...
➡️ https://t.co/ROuZaWUXqH pic.twitter.com/gXV0RjnysC
I am so happy for @deemintz1 because he was able to explore all of his options and decided to come back to a place that he loves. He is one of the most appreciative players I have coached in my time here. https://t.co/hR31eCTIk1
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) July 1, 2021
.@deemintz1 improved so much from the start of last season to the end and I can’t wait to see that continued growth in his second year with us.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) July 1, 2021
Davion Mintz: “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. I can't wait to get back to Lexington with my teammates and experience the full effect of Big Blue Nation.”
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) July 1, 2021
Kentucky basketball offseason timeline:
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) July 1, 2021
3-29: Kellan Grady transfers to UK
5-5: CJ Fredrick transfers to UK
5-6: UK adds Orlando Antigua/Chin Coleman to staff
5-12: TyTy Washington commits to UK
5-17: Sahvir Wheeler transfers to UK
7-1: Davion Mintz returns to UK
It just got real….. Mintz Is back!!!
— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) July 1, 2021
With the return of Mintz, Kentucky brings back it’s leading scorer for the first time in the Calipari era.
— All Things Kentucky (@BBNWonka) July 1, 2021
Same, @deemintz1. Same. https://t.co/nLdLjoZ5M4
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) July 1, 2021
Davion Mintz, UK's leader in scoring, 3-point shooting/ assists in 2020-21, will return for his final season.
— Vaughts' Views (@vaughtsviews) July 1, 2021
After going through the NBA Draft evaluation process, Mintz will withdraw his name from the 2021 NBA Draft less than a week prior to the July 7 NCAA deadline.
Why yes, yes we do. https://t.co/3NFE8HbFIo
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) July 1, 2021
Davion Mintz is the first leading scorer to return to Kentucky since Randolph Morris in 2006-07.
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) July 1, 2021
I’m ready to see Davion Mintz blow the roof off Rupp Arena with one of those transition 3’s.
— Shawn Smith (@gbbcountry) July 1, 2021
Dammit, I said I was never going to get excited about Ky basketball again during the preseason and here I am
— Jortney (@Wildcatty11) July 1, 2021
How Cal manages these minutes is going to be absolutely fascinating. Count me in the camp that Kellan Grady is the most important player. You have to have a wing or 2 that can be a multi-dimensional scorer with switchability on defense. If he's good, Kentucky will be really good.
— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) July 1, 2021
The 2021-22 Kentucky Wildcats are f’n loaded. Call’s revenge tour is going to be something to witness! #BBN
— Dad of Queens (@jrasmussbbn) July 1, 2021
Hard to imagine anyone having a better offseason than John Calipari. Landed virtually all of his top recruiting targets, brought back Orlando Antigua and now returns his leading scorer in Davion Mintz.
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) July 1, 2021
Mintz: pic.twitter.com/lUQwSsRf8A
— John Robic's Hair (@JohnRobicsHair) July 1, 2021
Guards: Davion Mintz, TyTy Washington, Sahvir Wheeler, CJ Frederick
— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) July 1, 2021
Wings: Bryce Hopkins, Kellan Grady, Dontaie Allen
Bigs: Keion Brooks, Jacob Toppin, Lance Ware, Daimion Collins, Oscar Tshiebwe
Could possibly add Jalen Duren. That seems like quality and quantity.
Kentucky has a talented roster that is loaded with experience and shooters. Here we go!
— Shawn Smith (@gbbcountry) July 1, 2021
Excuse me, Mintz. My kingdom for an edit button. https://t.co/rmFHAToutF
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) July 1, 2021
Kentucky Basketball next season will have 12 players who can all play...and still could add the #1 player in America
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) July 1, 2021
Will be Calipari’s deepest team since 2015 and probably 2nd deepest since he has been here
Davion Mintz just needed some getaway time aka that Dennis Rodman getaway time pic.twitter.com/cGT7O2pBpQ
— Paulie Walnuts (@KDewey13) July 1, 2021
It’s time for Davion Mintz to really get the chance to experience what Kentucky basketball is like.
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) July 1, 2021
Calipari to the rest of the SEC pic.twitter.com/Nt2GiDrqBZ
— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) July 1, 2021
Feel like this has been quickly forgotten but Davion Mintz was like….. the best “hooper” on the team last season. He had some insanely impressive highlights and wasn’t afraid of the spotlight. The importance of his decision seems to be lost if you ask me.
— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) July 1, 2021
Kentucky’s 2021-22 Roster:
— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) July 1, 2021
- 6th-year grad: Davion Mintz
- 5th-year grad: Kellan Grady
- Juniors: Keion Brooks, Jacob Toppin, Oscar Tshiebwe, Sahvir Wheeler, CJ Fredrick
- Sophomores: Lance Ware, Dontaie Allen
- Freshmen: Daimion Collins, Bryce Hopkins, TyTy Washington
Veterans
Davion Mintz finished last season as Kentucky's leader in minutes (768), points (288), assists (78) and made 3s (56). Was second in steals (25) and made go-ahead 3s in the final minute of three games.
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) July 1, 2021
— Cats Coverage (@CatsCoverage_) July 1, 2021
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