NCAA Basketball: Formerly injured players set for big impact in 2020-21

LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans talks to Joshua Langford #1 during the ACC/Big Ten Challenge against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on November 27, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville won 82-78 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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LINCOLN, NE – DECEMBER 8: Davion Mintz #1 of the Creighton Bluejays (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Davion Mintz – Kentucky

If the NCAA is going to make you sit a year for transferring, you might as well do it while you are sidelined with an injury. This was the mentality of Creighton transfer Davion Mintz that would land him in Kentucky ready to play in 2020-21. The 6’3 guard started 67 of the 68 games he played for Crieghton during his sophomore and juniors seasons. His junior season has been his most successful as he averaged 9.7 points per game on 8.2 field goal attempts.

As Immanuel Quickley, Nate Sestina, Tyrese Maxey, Nick Richards, Ashton Hagans, and Johnny Juzang depart for one reason or another, Coach Calipari will be welcoming the No.1 recruiting class in the nation that includes several SEC top 10 freshmen. With six freshmen and Mintz being one of three transfers, as a senior Mintz’s role will be more than just leading by example.

Whether Mintz is starting alongside BJ Boston while mentoring four-star point guard Devin Askew or splitting time at the point guard spot, expect Mintz’s career average in assists of three per game to be eclipsed as he teaches the newcomers how to get into scoring position versus NCAA defenders.

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