ESPN’s Jeff Borzello updated his Way-Too-Early Rankings for the 2021-22 season for the first time since late June, and with Davion Mintz back in the fold, Kentucky is up one spot to No. 8. Borzello notes that while the Cats did not add Illinois big man Kofi Cockburn, they’re still in contention for Jalen Duren, who will decide between Kentucky, Miami, Memphis, the G-League or Australian NBL in the coming weeks.
“Mintz started 21 games last season and shot nearly 38% from 3-point range; his combination of experience and ability to play either backcourt spot will earn him plenty of minutes even despite the additions at guard.