Davion Mintz adapting to the many roles that Kentucky needs of him

Davion Mintz wasn’t expected to lead Kentucky in most scoring categories a season ago, but he found a way to break out as the Wildcats’ best player in the midst of a historically down year for the program. He adapted to a bad situation then, and he’ll look to adapt to a better one in the coming months.

When he decided to come back to Lexington for another year of college (his sixth overall), Mintz was heralded as one of the missing pieces that would help return Kentucky to the top. The former Creighton transfer was UK’s leading scorer in 2020-21, but with the influx of talent across the board over the summer, his role was always going to look different heading into 2021-22.

During last Friday’s 95-72 exhibition win over Kentucky Wesleyan College, Mintz actually came off the bench. For someone who was a starter in 21 of 25 games last season, playing upwards of 30 minutes per outing, they might interpret the move as a demotion. But for Mintz, he took the move to the pine in stride, understanding his role will help Kentucky’s success if he makes some sacrifices along the way.

Acting as UK’s “super-sub” might actually be the best possible move for Mintz right now. He’s effectively a sixth starter at this early point in the season and a perfect initiator to bring off the bench. Against KWC, Mintz finished with 12 points, four rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block in 24 minutes of action, which were the second-most on his team. He’s not a point guard or shooting guard or even a small forward; he’s simply going to be whatever John Calipari and the rest of the staff need from him.

Mintz doesn’t lock himself into one position; he just wants to be able to adapt to whatever situation is in front of him.

“I personally don’t look at myself as a plug-and-play guy, like I know that I am a fit with whatever situation I’m put in because I’m able to adapt,” Mintz told the media on Wednesday. “I know that I’m adaptive. If it’s asked of me to lead and go out there and be the guy, that’s what I can do. If it’s asked of me to be a guy and embrace that position then that’s what I would do; what’s best for the team and what’s best for myself, as well. Because I know, ultimately, when the team is succeeding, that’s when you’re individually looking your best.”

Not only is he comfortable in his new role, but he’s also incredibly confident in his ability to thrive in it.

“I personally know that’s the motto that people give me, that I’m that glue guy–which I accept and embrace–but I don’t necessarily accept the plug-and-play guy because I know that I’m special, I know what I’m capable of,” Mintz added. “If it’s asked of me to do anything, I know that I’m capable of that. It is what it is. I know that my role is definitely significant to this team, whatever is asked of me. I’m just super excited with what we have so far, I’m comfortable with my role as it is right now.”

So what exactly will that role look like for Mintz? He’s a capable scorer from all areas of the floor, has a knack for playmaking, and is a plus on the defensive end. Kentucky already has two brilliant, playmaking point guards in Sahvir Wheeler and TyTy Washington. But Mintz doesn’t need to take over as the lead ball-handler, he just needs to be able to when necessary.

“We run a system where we play with three to four initiators,” Mintz said. “When I say initiator, a guy who can bring it up and start our offense. Whether I’m at one, two, or three, it’s really all the same thing. I’m really comfortable in all positions. I think that’s what helps me be special out there, being able to adapt to all three positions just fine.”

Mintz’s role will go beyond initiating the offense though. As Calipari has said over and over again, his players must engage in defense to earn minutes. Mintz was the most locked-in defender against KWC. But not only that–he’s also a vocal leader. Mintz’s teammates will look to him for guidance and a veteran presence

“I hope to show first that I’m a winner. That I impact winning regardless of what’s asked of me,” Mintz said about what he hopes to show in his new role. “But my role right now is just be what I am. Be a leader to these guys. I’ve been in college for a long time and ultimately, on the floor, just make shots. Be able to make shots, be able to play defense, communicate, and being one of those responsible guys.”

Mintz won’t have to score in double-figures every game this season for Kentucky to have a shot at winning. If he’s adapting to what his teammates are doing, individual success, and eventually overall success, will come his way.