Back here I know it’s late but of course quarantining has been racking up the W’s on you me the past few days. But as promised I did another Eval this time of the transfers but also included one of Dontaie Allen. ALL Opinions Welcomed.
Davion Mintz
Overall, man I see why the staff loves Mintz and after watching I do believe he’s a perfect fit for this team. I can see him and Cal now almost helping coach defense together with the way he defends. Very reminiscent of Hagans but almost in an even more mature version, of course nowhere near as talented. He’s a GREAT defender and extraordinary help defender. However, he plays extremely hard and I’ll even use one of Cam’s favorite words “FIGHT”. He had a few amazing sequences in the Nova game where he helped off onto Brunson and completely cut him off from the basket forcing him to pick up his dribble THEN closes out on Divincenzo and almost forces a turnover which led to a loose ball and a restart on offense for Nova. Lastly, the mad scramble which was the biggest play on a rebound to pretty much send it into OT he was battling with Pascall AND Divincenzo and hit the ground under the pile and poked the ball out to teammate Khyri Thomas. That was more impressive than anything I saw. He’s an aggressive driver but doesn’t look to score and that’s what he’ll be doing for us. If Askew is ready he’ll certainly be the starter probably from day one as he’s just a more talented player. But Mintz will be maybe the best glue guy in CBB next year and that’s not my UK fandom talking.
Olivier Sarr
Overall, Sarr has an advanced low post game for the college level. He’s big and honestly he plays the way he looks which is a complement since he’s 7’0 255lbs. A little more of a lumberer as opposed to Nick who was an incredible athlete, but he makes up for it in so many other ways. Honestly, a consistent perimeter jumper may be the difference in Sarr being a overseas guy for 10 years or so if he so chooses and a back up NBA center who still rooted in the traditional mode but with new age abilities and tools in his bag and I don’t doubt that that’s what Cal might’ve sold him in in his recruitment. He’s going to be great and a centerpiece and arguably the most important pieces of all pieces to the chase of #9. I’m anxious to see what he looks like as a player if/when he gets to work with KP. I do also believe increased conditioning to UK’s level will help with the foul trouble.
Dontaie Allen
Overall I love Dontaie’s game and potential in the program. I hate to give this direct comparison just because of the parallels but he gives me Darius Miller vibes in terms of a guy that can play and potentially guard 2-4. Is big enough and wants to compete, rebounds really well for his size as well. He’s a much bigger body than is spoken or accounted for. He’s a strider on the court when he’s attacking can cover ground quickly he’s really long-limbed. The most encouraging thing was his physicality and how he really welcomes contact and gets a little angry when bumped too much. He’s nowhere near a finished product and will be a multi-year player for sure but man it’s crazy to think he and Camron are possibly battling for scraps because I love both of their potentials. Cal is a goat because through all the bs that has happened the past couple seasons with Recruiting and roster movements, TRANSFERS. He’s built a roster that has gotten things back to what had us rolling in the past and what he likes is COMPETITIVE PRACTICES. Dontaie, Davion, and Cam’ron are good enough to not make things so sweet for Clarke and Boston and I just can’t wait to see all these guys hit the floor together. PLEASE PLEASE LORD LET THE RONEY TONEY GO AWAY!!! ♂️
Davion Mintz
- Literally seconds into opening tip he recorded an on ball steal that reminded me of Hagans honestly.
- He’s a very locked in and engaged defender. Can guard 3’s which is important for this team.
- Attacks rebounds well, plays a bit bigger than his size.
- As a lead guard he’s similar to askew as he’s not looking to score but will attack and try to make something happen.
- I’m sorry guys I just love how he hounds defensively lol (as I type this records another steal), this time on help defense. (It’s 12 mins left in the 1st half btw).
- Not a bad at shooter at all pretty decent actually. Stronger off the catch.
- Oftentimes seems to make moves without plans and gets kind of scattered when at least guard or initiating offense.
- He can be careless with the ball or how should I describe it, loose? Doesn’t have a bad handle or anything but too many turnovers.
- Has questionable decision making at times.
- Not creative with the ball. Doesn’t have the handle to maneuver through tighter spaces.
- In relation to that thread posted with him dunking he wasn’t that explosive on film, maybe he’s improved on that.
- Struggles finishing at the rim as well
Overall, man I see why the staff loves Mintz and after watching I do believe he’s a perfect fit for this team. I can see him and Cal now almost helping coach defense together with the way he defends. Very reminiscent of Hagans but almost in an even more mature version, of course nowhere near as talented. He’s a GREAT defender and extraordinary help defender. However, he plays extremely hard and I’ll even use one of Cam’s favorite words “FIGHT”. He had a few amazing sequences in the Nova game where he helped off onto Brunson and completely cut him off from the basket forcing him to pick up his dribble THEN closes out on Divincenzo and almost forces a turnover which led to a loose ball and a restart on offense for Nova. Lastly, the mad scramble which was the biggest play on a rebound to pretty much send it into OT he was battling with Pascall AND Divincenzo and hit the ground under the pile and poked the ball out to teammate Khyri Thomas. That was more impressive than anything I saw. He’s an aggressive driver but doesn’t look to score and that’s what he’ll be doing for us. If Askew is ready he’ll certainly be the starter probably from day one as he’s just a more talented player. But Mintz will be maybe the best glue guy in CBB next year and that’s not my UK fandom talking.
Olivier Sarr
- Skilled and adept in the low post. He gets great positioning and is just do damn big in there (pause).
- Small but very important thing that he does is he ALWAYS KEEPS THE BALL HIGH.
- Great size and length, and uses it effectively
- GREAT offensive rebounder, I’m talking 2nd and 3rd offensive rebound type of rebounding.
- Does a good job off walling his defender.
- Nice soft touch and shooting stroke as well from FT line.
- Very good at making a himself and easier target for post entries
- I’d life him to demand the ball more in the post. No reason why he shouldn’t get at least a post touch every possession on this team. Then again, that’s clearly not entirely on him.
- Often played in 5-7 min spurts and was not in foul trouble. His backup is more of an active defender type and more athletic so maybe a scheme thing.
- Oddly, he doesn’t provide as much rim protection for someone his size so expect that role to definitely belong to Jackson. I prefer the idea of if/when both on the floor at the same time. Let Jackson chase the weak side block while Sarr stays grounded use his length to defend and play the rebound at the same time.
- What I don’t like is when guys attack him and score on him defensively it’s almost like it’s accepted. A man that big should take it personal when guards attack and score over him.
- Isn’t the quickness or have good foot speed, he tried to defend by using angles and mmm his length. For example, him being caught on a switch with a good, quicker guard is a situation you don’t want him in.
- Similar to Nick in size but different in athleticism, like quickness off the feet for example it’s not even close with Nick.
- Another thing that is something to look out for Sarr was either in foul trouble or flirting with it in EVERY film I watched. We were going to see a lot of small ball anyway but I’m sure of it after watching.
Overall, Sarr has an advanced low post game for the college level. He’s big and honestly he plays the way he looks which is a complement since he’s 7’0 255lbs. A little more of a lumberer as opposed to Nick who was an incredible athlete, but he makes up for it in so many other ways. Honestly, a consistent perimeter jumper may be the difference in Sarr being a overseas guy for 10 years or so if he so chooses and a back up NBA center who still rooted in the traditional mode but with new age abilities and tools in his bag and I don’t doubt that that’s what Cal might’ve sold him in in his recruitment. He’s going to be great and a centerpiece and arguably the most important pieces of all pieces to the chase of #9. I’m anxious to see what he looks like as a player if/when he gets to work with KP. I do also believe increased conditioning to UK’s level will help with the foul trouble.
Dontaie Allen
- He has great size for a wing. Every bit of 6’7 and looked about 200lbs then. So I would imagine he may be around 205-210lbs.
- Fabulous rebounder for a wing as well that wingspan looks crazy even on film.
- Doesn’t waste time attacking or shy about getting a bucket himself when he sees a shot/opportunity.
- Underrated basketball IQ
- Has a bit of a physicality to him offensively he doesn’t mind taking the bumps and contact.
- Has more of a set shot than a jump shot similar to SGA to give perspective but hey it goes in. Plus with his length he shoots it over a many defenders.
- Fairly comfortable bringing the ball up the floor as well,
- Has a bit of a herky jerky style but still quite smooth at the same time it’s unique.
- Will get in the low and high post and knows how to score there.
- Doesn’t compete enough defensively, doesn’t get in a stance (I’m sure that has changed somewhat at least lol)
- Needs to tighten the handle up a little bit.
- Not the best athlete.
- Can get out of control at times going downhill but he also didn’t have much help on his team.
Overall I love Dontaie’s game and potential in the program. I hate to give this direct comparison just because of the parallels but he gives me Darius Miller vibes in terms of a guy that can play and potentially guard 2-4. Is big enough and wants to compete, rebounds really well for his size as well. He’s a much bigger body than is spoken or accounted for. He’s a strider on the court when he’s attacking can cover ground quickly he’s really long-limbed. The most encouraging thing was his physicality and how he really welcomes contact and gets a little angry when bumped too much. He’s nowhere near a finished product and will be a multi-year player for sure but man it’s crazy to think he and Camron are possibly battling for scraps because I love both of their potentials. Cal is a goat because through all the bs that has happened the past couple seasons with Recruiting and roster movements, TRANSFERS. He’s built a roster that has gotten things back to what had us rolling in the past and what he likes is COMPETITIVE PRACTICES. Dontaie, Davion, and Cam’ron are good enough to not make things so sweet for Clarke and Boston and I just can’t wait to see all these guys hit the floor together. PLEASE PLEASE LORD LET THE RONEY TONEY GO AWAY!!! ♂️