Davion Mintz looking forward to big-game atmosphere at Rupp Arena

Davion Mintz has been a Kentucky Wildcat for a season and a half, but tomorrow, he’ll finally get to see what Rupp Arena is like for a really big game. Last season, crowds were limited due to COVID. Rupp is back to full capacity now, but No. 22 Tennessee is the first ranked opponent to come to town this season. Mintz told reporters this morning that atmospheres like the one he’s expecting tomorrow are the reason he returned to Kentucky for a final season.

“I’m super excited. The BBN family, they show up even if it’s an exhibition. Whatever it is, they’re going to be here so I’m kind of anticipating what I’m used to seeing but I’m super excited. I really love playing here and it’s definitely different than what it was last year. So, I am very excited I came back, just to feel that energy and be in this environment. Like you said, it’s a 1 p.m. game tomorrow, so if these people pack this place out and give us the energy we need tomorrow, that’s special.”

The Cats could use an assist from the BBN tomorrow. Tennessee is ranked No. 22 in the AP Poll, No. 13 in KenPom, and No. 9 in the NET. This is a Quad 1 game, which Kentucky desperately needs for its NCAA Tournament resume. So far, the Cats are 1-3 in Quad 1 games, beating North Carolina but losing to Duke, LSU, and Notre Dame. The Vols have the Cats’ number in recent years, winning two straight in Rupp. Upon hearing that stat, Mintz said it’s even more incentive for the Cats to come out strong tomorrow.

“That’s my first time actually hearing that so that’s definitely a motivating factor. Three times is almost domination so we definitely have to try to end that streak they have going. That’s why we have the fanbase that we have. That’s why we have the type of university that we have. We’re very competitive here. I’m definitely looking forward and I know my teammates are to Saturday.”

Mintz looking to repeat last performance vs. Tennessee

We won’t speak of last year’s loss to Tennessee at Rupp. The trip to Knoxville, however, was much more pleasant. The Cats beat the No. 19 Vols 70-55, one of the rare good memories from an otherwise forgettable year. Isaiah Jackson and Davion Mintz led the way in that win, with Mintz hitting five threes. Rick Barnes remembers the performance all too well.

“I mean, last year (Davion) Mintz came in here and lit us up,” Barnes said this morning. “I think he had five threes last year. Really, that game they beat us by 20 or something, but it wasn’t even that close. I think Mintz hit five threes, they had, I think maybe, one of their best shooting nights against us in here a year ago.”

Mintz remembers that game fondly. Several family members were in the stands at Thompson-Boling Arena to watch him go off, which frustrated Tennessee fans so much they tried to fight his dad.

“Man, that memory. It was a great game. I came out feeling it and I just couldn’t stop. Once I get in that mode and I see one or two go in, in my mind, I’ve just got to keep going. I’ve hit that mode a couple of times, so I know what it feels like and I think my teammates at the time knew what was going on with me so we just kept going.

“The environment we great. I think my dad started arguing with some of the people upstairs and Devin Askew’s dad and a bunch of parents were all rooting together, so that was a moment where we weren’t just unified on the court, our families and everything were sticking together up there too because their families got a little rowdy, even during COVID. It was pretty funny. All my family and friends were there too, so it was a dope experience just because you know the circumstances we were under last year. I’m looking forward to having a really good game and hopefully, the same turnout that we did there tomorrow.”

Mintz is currently on a roll, averaging 14.7 points over the last three games. He made eleven threes during that stretch. TyTy Washington took over at point guard with Sahvir Wheeler out, but there’s an argument to be made that Mintz benefitted the most.

“You want to talk TyTy, what about Davion (Mintz)?” John Calipari said today. “Davion has played out of his mind. There’s one guy late in the game that I would say that I’m really comfortable with shooting the ball, and it would be him.”