Syracuse commit, Judah Mintz, has been one of the most undervalued prospects in his class during his high school career.
The 6-foot-4 guard had himself a real stock-boosting senior season at powerhouse Oak Hill Academy (VA) this past season, helping them reach another appearance in the famous GEICO Nationals tournament.
Mintz, out of the DMV area, transferred into the powerhouse basketball school for his senior season after playing at Gonzaga High School College (DC) during his underclassmen years.
“Playing at Oak hill was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I was able to grow as a person and as a leader this past year. Coach Smith gave me the confidence to show abilities that most people didn’t know I had and I will always be grateful for that.” Judah tells me after asking him how was it playing at Oak Hill and for Steve Smith in his final season before retiring?
Now Judah will be playing for another legendary and hall of fame head coach, but on the college basketball level next season, Jim Boeheim.
He chose Syracuse over other schools like Georgetown, DePaul, NC State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Xavier, Florida, LSU, Maryland, and plenty more.
I asked Mintz why did he choose Syracuse over the other schools recruiting him?
“Syracuse presented an opportunity for me to be a lead guard and the opportunity to be a leader was something I couldn’t pass up on. Also, I have a lot of faith that coach Red and GMac will help polish and add things to my game.” He answered.
Judah is one of the toughest guards in the country and will certainly bring that pit bull toughness to the floor at Syracuse.
He has the ability to score from all levels of the floor, plays with a very high motor, has the athletic ability, and will be one of the first to dive on the floor for loose balls.
I asked him how does he think he will fit in next season on the college level with Syracuse?
“I think I will fit perfectly. Being able to get in the paint is a strong suit for me, so playing with someone like Joe and Jesse down low will make it easy to make plays. On defense I think my energy will transfer over, whether we are in the zone or in man.” Judah answered.
He definitely wants to continue to improve with his game on the floor. I asked him what would he like to improve on with his game as he grows?
“Polishing my game from behind the arc and just making quicker decisions with the ball as playmaker.” He told me.
Mintz has that all conference player mentality and will certainly be one of the impactful freshmen in country entering the next college basketball season.
The Grind Hoops by Samad Hines 