WATCH: Davion Mintz’s father reacts to Senior Night performance
Suiting up for his final home game inside Rupp Arena, Kentucky guard Davion Mintz made the most of the opportunity early against Ole Miss. After getting his sixth start of the season, he knocked down two early 3-point shots and helped the Wildcats stretch out a first half lead.
In the stands Davion Mintz’s father was caught on camera with a genuine reaction to his son’s second 3-pointer of the game. He appeared to say, “that’s my boy” as the broadcast found him pumping his fist on the sideline.
As Kentucky took a 44-35 halftime lead with hopes of improving to 18-0 at home, Davion Mintz contributed eight first half points on 3-of-4 shooting including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc and clearly made his father proud.
Kentucky honors seniors
The Kentucky Wildcats honored fifth-year seniors Kellan Grady and Davion Mintz, who will both start on Tuesday, during the pregame festivities ahead of their final home game of the season against Ole Miss. The pair of graduating transfer players have provided a boost for the Wildcats during their time under John Calipari.
Grady transferred from Davidson this season, opting to finish his college career in the SEC after becoming a three-time All-Atlantic 10 selection. Rather than test his game at the professional level, he joined Kentucky’s star-studded transfer class and incoming freshman to create one of the best teams in the country.
Over his career, Grady averages 16.3 points, 2.0 assists and 3.7 rebounds and shoots 38.2 percent from the 3-point line. This season, he is down to 12 points per game but has continued in big games already this year.
Mintz joined the Kentucky roster in 2020, leaving Creighton after four seasons at Creighton, although he chose to redshirt in 2019 before the transfer decision. He started 21 games in 2020-21 but picks up his sixth of the 2021-22 season against Ole Miss.
Over his career, Mintz averages 7.8 points, 2.6 assists and 2.6 rebounds and shoots 35.9 percent from the 3-point line. Over the past two seasons, he averages 10.1 points for the Wildcats.
Although neither Kellan Grady or Davion Mintz started their career at Kentucky, but have helped bring the Wildcats back after a disappointing season to become title contenders again this year.