Davion Mintz described as ‘ideal sixth man,’ but will he win the SEC award?
Kentucky’s game against LSU on Wednesday night will feature two candidates for the Southeastern Conference’s Sixth Man of the Year award and a contrast in how to define that role.
UK Coach John Calipari has been promoting Davion Mintz as the SEC’s best sixth man. Meanwhile, Tari Eason comes off the bench as LSU’s leading scorer.
SEC Network analyst Pat Bradley suggested the two players play a reserve role differently.
“Davion is probably the ideal sixth man,” Bradley said. “Because he’s playing behind one of the great speedsters in Sahvir Wheeler and, of course, TyTy Washington is just an overall great player.
“Davion kind of fits into what you want your first bench guy to be.”
Mintz’s value to Kentucky’s team could not be ignored in Saturday’s victory against Alabama. With injuries sidelining both Wheeler and Washington, Mintz played 38-plus minutes and did not commit a turnover.
“Davion is so important because he’s got a lot of tools,” Bradley said. “He can calm you down by making good decisions with the ball. He can knock down a shot. He’s explosive, sneaky explosive. How about this? He’s athletic enough and big enough … he can defend anybody.”
Eason, who transferred to LSU from Cincinnati, averages almost twice as many points as Mintz (16.9-8.9). The 6-foot-8 sophomore usually enters the game no later than at the first television timeout.
Bradley likened Eason’s role to that of Auburn guard Wendell Green Jr. While Mintz plays behind two standout guards, LSU Coach Will Wade and Auburn Coach Bruce Pearl choose to use Eason and Green, respectively, in reserve roles.
“It’s just a strategy,” the SEC Network analyst said of Eason and Green coming off the bench. “That’s how their coaches feel their impact will be greater.”
To be eligible for the SEC Sixth Man of the Year award, a player cannot start more than six league games. Mintz has started three SEC games. Eason also started three SEC games — four overall — when Xavier Pinson was sidelined with an injury,
Eason has shot better coming off the bench: 54.8 percent overall and 37.7 percent from three-point range compared to 45.2 percent overall and 16.7 percent from beyond the arc as a starter. He has averaged 16.9 points off the bench and 15.8 points as a starter.
Mississippi State Coach Ben Howland spoke highly of Eason. “Just put on a clinic against us,” he said.
Eason had 23 points (making three of six three-point shots), six rebounds, two steals and two blocks against State.
In league games, Eason ranks in the SEC’s top 10 in points (17.5), rebounds (7.14 per game), steals (3.14), blocks (1.14) and field-goal percentage (50.2 percent).
Auburn winning the SEC regular-season championship is seen as helping Green’s chances of being voted the league’s Sixth Man of the Year.
“That kid is the engine, man,” Bradley said. “He’s like one of those guys when he’s in the game, he gets the ball. And he’s in the game a lot (26.7 minutes per game, on average). He either shoots it or he’s coming off those high-ball screens. He’s an important piece to what they do.”
A transfer from Eastern Kentucky, Green is Auburn’s second-leading scorer (12.4 points) and leader in assists. He has a better than two-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio (137-63).
“He has made big shots for them all year long,” ESPN analyst Jimmy Dykes said of Green. “Game-changer when he checks in.”
Howland mentioned Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler as another candidate for the Sixth Man award.
“I love Zeigler,” the Mississippi State coach said. “Just because he changes the game when he comes in. They play faster. He creates incredible havoc with his defense.”
Earlier this month, Mintz expressed appreciation for Calipari lobbying on his behalf as the SEC’s Sixth Man honor.
“That means a lot to me,” Mintz has said. “I’d love to have it.”
Bradley suggested winning the SEC’s regular-season championship as a key to a player’s candidacy.
“I think the next week and half will be important,” the SEC Network analyst said.
Wednesday
LSU at Kentucky
When: 9 p.m.
TV: ESPN
