Davion Mintz becomes French bulldog breeder as pro career begins
Davion Mintz‘s puppy, Ghost, became a celebrity in Lexington during the guard’s final year at Kentucky in 2021-22. The French bulldog became Mintz’s support pup midway through the season and moved into the Lodge before becoming the SpokesDog of Richmond Road Veterinary Clinic, the first player-pup NIL deal in college basketball.
Mintz attributed much of his mid-year success to Ghost’s presence in his life.
“I think he’s the secret sauce to all of it,” the Kentucky guard said at the time. “It’s been great with him around. He makes everything easier. He’s probably the reason I’m actually playing well.”
Now, Ghost is a dad, and four of his pups are available.
Born March 19, the five-pup litter is now ready to be taken home this week, with four males still up for grabs: Fez, Oso, Fatback and Peaches.
All four puppies are AKC registered and up to date on all shots.
The Ghost & Kogi litter was delivered by Dr. Kevin Smith at Richmond Road Vet Clinic, Mintz’s NIL partner.
What is Mintz up to when he’s not breeding Frenchies? Preparing for his professional basketball future, of course. The former Wildcat was recently invited to the Tampa Bay Pro Combine, where he put on a show at the event, scoring 24 points on 8-13 shooting and 3-6 from three to go with four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Four participants at last year’s TBPC ended up playing NBA minutes this season, so not a bad setting to look like the best player on the floor.
Mintz signed with Young Money-APAA Sports back in April with June’s NBA Draft inching closer. The former Wildcat is not currently expected to hear his name called on draft day, but will certainly have NBA Summer League and training camp opportunities available to potentially help him make a roster.
Mintz is one of five Kentucky players currently going through the NBA Draft process, with TyTy Washington, Shaedon Sharpe, Keion Brooks Jr. and Kellan Grady all included. Washington has signed with an agent and will keep his name in the draft, while Mintz and Grady are both out of college eligibility and are going pro. Sharpe and Brooks have left the door open for a return to school, with the latter entering the transfer portal, likely ending his time in Lexington.
The draft withdrawal date is June 1, with the 2022 NBA Draft set for June 23 in Brooklyn, New York.
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