Kentucky Basketball Previews Florida
UK ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS & PR
MEN’S BASKETBALL
FLORIDA at KENTUCKY PREGAME MEDIA
FEB. 26, 2021
JOE CRAFT CENTER – LEXINGTON, KY.
#10 Davion Mintz, G, Gr.
On his expectations of Kentucky coming into the season …
“When I decided to transfer, my expectations of coming here were hopefully we have some sort of a fan base to be able to attend games. I really couldn’t make many expectations because the pandemic was such that we were all pretty clueless during that time. I expected to come win games, have fun, better myself and take my game to the next level.”
On what his experience at Kentucky has been like …
“It’s been a lot of character development, I think. I’ve learned so much, and regardless of how things went on the court, I’ve become such a better person and matured my game a lot. Matured as a person and I can’t thank the staff and everyone else around me, the fan base and everyone for just helping develop me in all aspects as a player and a person.”
On if he has made a decision on his future …
“No decisions have been made. Absolutely not. I think it’s important that I go through this Senior Day. I felt a lot of pain last year, sitting out, a cast on my foot during senior day at Creighton. Those emotions I felt, I just didn’t want to do that again. I felt it was important for me to go through it and have a little ceremony regardless of my decision.”
On how he has matured as a person this season …
“During that time last year, a little bit earlier, so around like the winter part of the year going to 2020 for me at the beginning it was really rough and I felt at that time like it was my lowest point. I was like, ahh. It was really bad. I was kind of clueless, but then I came here and you have super-high expectations and when–it’s almost like you’re promised 20 apples and you only get 10, half of what you expect in terms of like our record and expectations that we didn’t fulfill those at the time. It’s tough. It’s hard for you. Me just going through this, figuring this out, especially being challenged to be a leader and a voice during that time. It was different for me because, honestly, I didn’t know what to expect coming here. It was demanded of me to be vocal. It challenged me as a person, and I feel like being on someone to have to lean on during these times really made me – I know it’s crazy to say – but like grow up even more, like quicker here. Just being in that position it really helped me in terms of, like, communicating with younger guys that also helped me as well.”
On what he would tell his freshman self …
“He would look at him and say, ‘Don’t judge your today by what tomorrow could bring. Stay grounded. Know that God is real, and he has a plan for you.’ Freshman Davion, I mean, I was so wide-eyed, I probably wouldn’t even listen to myself today. I mean, it’s crazy. I didn’t expect to be in this position. If I had to write this story by myself, I don’t know where I’d be. Just really tell myself to stay grounded and keep going because you don’t know where it could take you.”
On what the difference is in how the team is playing …
“It’s tough. I was talking to Keion (Brooks Jr.) and Olivier (Sarr) yesterday. It just seems like there’s a different type of feel out there. Earlier in the season, not even earlier in the season, but a few games ago I think we went on a little stretch and during that time it was like, OK, we’re winning these games, but something just still feels off. We’re still missing that piece and not as a person, but a form of like unity. Really, we didn’t know what it was, but we were winning those games, but they were still close. We’d have a lead, but the end of the game would still be kind of rough. Then just this past stretch that we had, now it’s just like a different feeling out there. Like, I’ll do anything for my brother. I can’t even describe it. I think that we were all like devoted in doing what we have to do. We feel not the pressure, but we feel the importance of now we don’t have a choice, we have to be unified out there and I think that’s the biggest thing that’s changed. We have gotten it, and I know during awhile ago we said, ‘We’ve got to get it. It’ll turn.’ But I really do think that now we understand the importance of being a brotherhood out there.”
On the improved 3-point shooting as a team …
“I think it’s just a feel out there and then just guys keeping other guys confident. Like I was mentioning the brotherhood, I feel that the level of togetherness. Like, the guys when I feel like they’re passing me the ball they’re expecting me to make it and they know that I am. I feel like it’s so much easier to make a shot. It’s all confidence. Everything is really mental and that’s everything that you do. Just having not only your mental, but someone else’s mental just as confident in you. That’s the results you’ll get. I think extra reps of course, the longer you’ve been doing something it’s going to fall in. Besides that, just having good reps and having people beside you believing in you helps as well.”
On if he’s ever had a coach encouraging him to shoot like Coach Calipari has …
“It’s real. It’s not many shots that Cal doesn’t like that I’ll take. It’s crazy because that’s rare to play for a coach like that. My dad coached me for a little bit while I was younger and he would even tell me, ‘Pass the ball, you shoot too much.’ Cal, he has not told me (to not shoot). I think I got to campus in June and since I got here in June until – I don’t even know what today is, have we gotten to March yet? – dnd of February, he has never once told me that I’ve taken a bad shot. He’s always screaming to shoot the ball. He hasn’t, and not just me. He hasn’t told anyone on our team and I’ve never seen that before of any place I’ve been or watched or experienced playing myself. So, that’s authentic and it’s real.”
On the lack of a normal crowd on Senior Day …
“It’ll still be a surreal moment. Your family and friends will be there, and I know that the biggest part of being here is that, even though sometimes the gym is empty, the whole world is watching because this is Kentucky basketball. I mean, that’s just things you try and remember. But like you said earlier just being a senior and making it to this point of your life where a lot of people haven’t gotten there, it’s super important and big for our families. I’m happy for the other guys that I’m stepping across the stage with whether there’s 25,000 people in the gym or 2,000 tomorrow. Like I said, it’s going to be a big moment and I’m happy to get here.”
#30 Olivier Sarr, F, Sr.
On his thought process heading into the homestretch of this season with the possibility of another season of eligibility left …
“Like you said, we’re in the final homestretch of the season, so honestly my mind is on the end of the season and trying to be the best version of myself every night, every game. I think that’s a good question. That’s a question that I think about. I don’t have the answer yet, but I’m just glad to be here and happy to finish the season.”
On how much he values the opportunity he has had to get an American education …
“Thank you. I think that’s a great question. I think for me it’s all about how I was raised. My dad comes from Africa. He comes from Senegal. Basically I’m trying to do what he did. He left for a better life. I’m not saying that I had bad conditions back home, but he left for a better life and went to France and studied, earned his degree and he is now living a comfortable life. He built his own legacy, and I think that’s the path I want to choose. Being able to be in this position today, it’s a blessing for me. It’s a way of remembering what my dad taught me and he’s still teaching me to this day. It’s just an honor to be able to do that.”
On his American education being looked at favorably when he goes home and talks to people in France …
“Yeah. Yeah, I mean, earning a degree, especially in college in the U.S. is something that not a lot of people are doing back home. I know it will be recognized over there, so it’s an honor.”
On what he tells people in France what it’s like playing for Kentucky and this season …
“Amazing. I tell them that it’s amazing regardless of wins and losses. That’s part of the job. Unfortunately, not at Kentucky, not as much, but I just tell them it’s a blessing. It’s amazing to put on that jersey that, four years ago, I would have never thought I would be in this position today. Not a lot of kids in France get a chance to play for Kentucky or a school like that. I mean, I’m blessed honestly. All I can tell them is I’m trying to take as much as I can while I’m here and keep moving forward. It’s an amazing experience.”
On how Kentucky basketball is perceived in France and if it is even perceived in France …
“It is. Not a lot of people know a lot about college basketball, but they definitely know about Kentucky. They know it’s one of the biggest programs in college basketball, one of the best programs in college basketball. So, they definitely know about Kentucky.”
On if he is considered a role model back home and if he has kids reach out to him …
“I know a lot of people follow what I’m doing here. I don’t know if I’m a role model or not. I’m trying to behave myself as best I can. I’ve got a little brother (Alexandre), so I’m trying to set the example for him even though he doesn’t really need me right now. He plays for Real Madrid. That’s who I’m trying to, not impress but lead, and hopefully and it inspires a lot of younger kids to pursue their dreams too.”
On what feels different about this team the last three games …
“Yeah, I agree with him (Davion Mintz). I think the first time was like, wow, we can do this. We got the abilities to do that. And now it’s more like it’s confidence. Like, we know our value, we know our worth and we know what we are capable of. So, I think it’s just being able to play freely and trust your teammates and know that we can compete with any team in the country. I think that’s what Davion was mentioning.”
On if his family will be able to be here for Senior Day and if they have been able to watch him this season …
“No, unfortunately.”
On some of the fun moments he will be able to take away from this season for the rest of his life …
“The first one that came to my mind was when I heard I would be eligible. We forget, but I’m just grateful to be able to play honestly. Not so long ago, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to wear the Kentucky jersey. That news was, I mean, when I heard about it, I told you guys that the reaction from the fan base and Coach was incredible. But honestly, it’s a tough year, yes, but I’m grateful to be able to experience that at the University of Kentucky. It’s tough. It’s a lot of obstacles. But we’re learning so much from that. I think later in our lives we will be grateful for that moment even though at that time in the present it’s really hard to get through. But we feel the support. There are a lot of fans out there that support us and it’s incredible.
On if there are any off-the-court experiences that stick out …
“Places I’ve visited not so much, but just going with the guys when we have team dinner and stuff like that or just hanging out in the lodge. I don’t have a specific one in mind, but if I take time I know I’ll find a couple of them.”
On how he assesses how he has played this season …
“My season, I learned a lot from Coach. I think what I realized is that, for me, being able to play the role that Coach wanted me to play. Whether it’s making my teammates better by setting great screens or finding them open shots or games I needed to score more or getting to the free-throw line or being a better defender, I think I learned a lot about the versatility I can bring to the team , and that helped me with my confidence and helped me as a player.”
On the challenge Florida presents …
“I think they’re playing better. I think they’re definitely playing better than earlier in the season. It’s going to be a challenge for us, but also we are also playing better. I think it’s going to be a great game. It’s going to be a start to get us going and keep in that winning streak. Hopefully we will compete and play hard and fight.”
On how he gauges when to take 3-point shots and how much that is a part of his game …
“For me, that’s always been there. It’s just, like I said, the role Coach wants to get me. Some games I’ll need to step out. Some of the games I’ll step out but the defense would adjust. I’m not going to take as many 3s, but a lot of different stuff is going to be open because of that. Whether it’s the roll guy, whether it’s the skip, it’s just going to space the court, and that’s what’s good about it and I think that definitely helps space the floor and create open shots.”
#13 Riley Welch, G, Sr.
On his experience as a Kentucky basketball player …
“Oh, man, it’s been amazing. It’s been a really, really fun two years. Really disappointed by not being able to have fans in Rupp, you know (Big Blue) Madness, having the campout and have that true experience because there aren’t too many things in the world in college basketball like our fans in Rupp. They just make games so much fun and enjoyable. They’re still fun, but we miss having the people there, going on the road and beating them and hearing ‘Go Big Blue’ at the end of games. Those are always really fun, but personally just getting to build relationships with the coaching staff, my teammates that I’ve had through these two years. Obviously, we’ve faced more adversity this year than last year. It’s just been a really special time in my life and I’m forever going to be grateful for it.”
On if he still aspires to coach and how this experience may help achieve that goal …
“Yeah, that’s still the plan. It’ll be huge for me starting my coaching career. Getting to see Coach Cal up close and in person every day and how he handles teams, how he handles individuals, how he deals with his staff, and then also I’ve been fortunate to play for an unbelievable set of coaching staffs in the two years that I’ve been here. The relationships that I’ve made with Coach (Tony) Barbee, Coach (Bruiser) Flint, Coach (Jai) Lucas, Coach (John Robic) Robes, Coach (Joel) Justus, Coach (Kenny) Payne last year, it’s really helped me see how they deal with high-level players. How they get them to buy into being a team, playing for something more than themselves and how playing for something more than yourself will also benefit you and benefit all of your teammates.”
On what he can take from this experience to aid in his coaching career …
“Tons. No one ever wants to go through difficult times. I mean, if you ask anyone, ‘Do you want to be happy or sad,’ everyone is going to say happy. During difficult times is where you learn about yourself and the people around you. We’ve faced some difficult times this year, but we weathered the storm and we’re, I think we’re coming out on the other side better than we came in. So, going in as a coach, going into my coaching career seeing how Coach Cal has had to handle this year, how our players have had to handle this year, it’s really easy to be, you know, good. It’s easy to work hard. It’s easy to be excited to come to the gym. It’s difficult when you’re not playing up to the potential and what you think you’re capable of. So, seeing this year how guys have fought through that adversity, it’s made me understand that guys can do it. It’s just something that you have to hold people accountable to.”
On Devin Askew’s progression …
“I think something that Coach Flint has talked about when he’s spoken to media and you guys before is how hard Devin works. Good or bad, Devin’s in the gym working every off day. Sometimes when maybe he should give his body a rest, he’s still trying to improve, still trying to get better. That’s something I really respect about Devin. He’s a kid who should be a senior in high school, came to the most pressure-filled college basketball program in the country and under tough circumstances. No summer. No fall. Not being able to get into the locker room. There’s a lot. Ten new guys. He didn’t have any veteran leaders who had played for Coach Cal to help him see, talk to him about what Coach Cal is like, and that’s something you only really get when, through experience. Dev has really improved through this season. I think he can still get a lot better, and he’s going to get a lot better because there’s things I see him do in practice day-to-day that I do think he will be able to translate to games sooner rather than later. I’m just happy for him. He’s a really mentally tough kid which is something that I really respect.”
On if he has asked Coach Calipari if he will be starting tomorrow …
“I haven’t asked him. He hasn’t mentioned anything, so I just kind of do whatever is asked of me. I just approach Senior Night like any other game. I’m going to try and prepare the guys the best I can and get out there and try and get another win.”
On what he attributes to his teammates not letting go of the rope earlier in the season …
“I think it starts at the top with Coach Cal and the coaching staff. They never–that wasn’t an option. We’re going to come in here win or lose and we’re going to work. You can’t give up when that’s being demanded of you by the coaching staff. And then also players, each guy had a belief in themselves and their teammates that we were better than what we were putting out there. The only way to improve is to keep pounding the stone, keep coming to work every day, keep trying to get better, and I think that’s what we did. Regardless no one’s basketball career, coaching wise or playing wise, is done after this season. So, there’s always room to improve, always room to get better, and we all had a belief and a faith in everyone in this building that we could accomplish something special. I think that’s served as well throughout the year.”
On how Coach Calipari has pushed him …
“Everyone has their role to play, obviously. The way we kind of do things here is our top 10 guys go against one another in practice and if you’re not in that 10, you might not be practicing as much that day. As a walk-on, a lot of times if there’s two healthy point guards, I’m not doing a ton. But this year with the injury to Terrence (Clarke) and moving Davion into the starting lineup, I’ve been the point guard on the second unit. Even though I’m a walk-on, when I’m out there I can’t slow things down. I’m expected to be up to speed with everyone else. He challenges me to try and make our guys better. I’m super fortunate to have the relationship that I do with Coach Cal, how much trust he’s had in me throughout my time here. I can’t really give you a specific example of something incredibly difficult, but I just think of the times when I’d matchup with Ashton (Hagans) in practice, Davion in practice, Devin in practice, Immanuel (Quickley), Tyrese (Maxey). I think just someone who wasn’t thought of as a high recruit or anything, to be able to contribute something and help those guys improve, I guess that’s the way Cal has held me to a high standard.”
On if he will use his extra year of eligibility …
“To be honest, I don’t think I’m coming back as a player next year. It’s not a conversation Coach Calipari and I have had. I’m older, so if Coach Calipari asked me to come back and return in the position, I, mean, it would be hard to say no. But I’m super grateful for everything he’s done for me, super grateful to the fans, the university, the state of Kentucky. It’s been a dream experience these last two years. I love it here, so If I have the opportunity to and that was something Cal wanted, it would be hard to pass up. But if not, I’m ready for whatever lies ahead.”
