Isaiah Jackson. Zan Payne. Lance Ware. Davion Mintz. Cam’Ron Fletcher. Men’s basketball practice. Photo by Chet White | UK Athletics
Creighton graduate transfer Davion Mintz still considers himself “young in the world” but he understands that on John Calipari’s basketball team he is far from a youngster.
“Definitely old being as experienced. But I think my job is going to be so much easier because this group we have here is so receptive to everything,” Mintz, a point guard, said.
“They’re always looking forward to advice. They don’t look at it as if I’m trying to tell them what to do. They’re like, ‘Let me listen to this guy, he’s seen it.'”
Mintz understands his experience won’t mean nearly as much unless teammates listen like former Cats did with Reid Travis and Nate Sestina the previous two seasons when they joined the Cats as graduate transfers.
“Although I do bring a lot of experience, it means nothing if guys aren’t willing to hear it. That’s what’s special about this group. Everyone is willing to listen,” Mintz said.
“Everyone is just trying to learn and be their best self. Like I said earlier, it’s going to be a lot of fun and definitely exciting.”
Mintz has played with multiple NBA players as well as others who “play high level overseas.” He said at Creighton it took a few years to see the same type of talent he’s already seeing in UK’s freshman class.
“It’s definitely a special group. Guys are definitely backing up what their résumés said. It’s just very exciting,” Mintz said.
