There have been plenty of freshmen making an early statement this season but one of the biggest storylines when it comes to the young players has been the play of Syracuse’s freshman Judah Mintz, who has stepped up early and is producing at a high level already.
Mintz is already showing why he was so highly regarded and coveted by college programs around the country, as he is averaging 17.5 points per game, 2.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game to start the season. And it seems that Coach Boeheim certainly trusts the young man on the floor, as he has been receiving big minutes (31.5 minutes per game) and is showing that he isn’t afraid of the bright lights.
When talking about his journey on the court, coming from Gonzaga to then Oak Hill, where he was something special every time he stepped on the court. Watching Mintz at Oak Hill, you could see that he was special with his ability to score and create. This is what Phenom Hoops said when watching him in 2022:
“Mintz has proven himself to be a terrific creator on the floor, especially for himself. He led the charge offensively with 16 points for Oak Hill, breaking down his defenders, creating space for himself, and scoring in a variety of ways all over the court. It is something he has shown on many occasions before, proving to be a dynamic scorer with the ball in his hands.”
“Judah Mintz is one of the best-unsigned seniors in the country. Versatile guard. Has the ability to pick his spots on the court. Good in the mid-range. Paint touch guard. Made really good decisions with the basketball in his hands. #PhenomHoops”
And when watching him early in the season, you can see that he is the exact same player and has the same mentality on the floor. He has been terrific in finding ways to score in a variety of ways, shooting 53 percent from the floor, creating and getting to his spots, and in the lane.
Even though it is still early in the ACC, Mintz has certainly put himself squarely in the mix as the top freshman in the conference and it looks like many will be hearing about his game all throughout the year as Syracuse will be leaning on their guard play this year when it comes to scoring.
Phenom Hoops Player Report from 2019:
“Judah is a fast and shifty playmaker with excellent ball-handling skills and great body control slicing through traffic en route to the rim. He is crafty and smart out of triple threat and a nightmare to defend in isolation. In the open floor, he is fast end to end with length and an attacking mentality. He can make a dribble move in stride at full speed and not lose a step. He breaks defenders down with inside-out dribble moves or crossovers, behind-the-back dribbles, or by changing speeds and using hesitations and varying the speed of his dribble; sometimes low and compact and sometimes high and sweeping but stays on balance and at any moment can blow by his man. Has great body control and is very good at shooting off the dribble using the ability to hang in the air and square to the rim or fade when tightly contested and create space. He is very crafty out of triple threat using powerful jabs to set his defender up and he attacks angles so intelligently. Judah likes to get into the body of his defender and use that contact to create separation and he elevates so quickly and with excellent uplift into his pull-up jumper, it becomes nearly impossible to block. That is what impresses me most, his ability to play through and use the contact and his elite shot-making skills off the dribble. Judah has a great touch and very good shooting fundamentals. He can flash to open spots and catch and release quickly and skillfully with smoothness and comfort. His shot potential extends beyond the arc but he really gets most of his production in the mid-range areas due to his ability to score on the move and his comfort and consistency in knocking down shots off the dribble. Shows some ferocity attacking the basket and can finish above the rim. Has fantastic scoring instincts and is a willing passer who can deliver a pinpoint pass, even off the dribble with either hand! Judah has good length thanks to a long wingspan and a growing 6’2 frame, quick reaction, and is extremely athletic which allows him to make defensive plays all over the floor. He plays with great energy defensively and sometimes seems to be all over the place making plays. His long arms and sound footwork make him a very good on-ball defender and he shows his high IQ off the ball as a team defender with great anticipation defending passing lanes. He reads activities nicely and gets to help with assignments quickly. He is quick-footed enough to stifle dribble penetration and closes out nicely so as to contest shots. Judah is also a very good rebounding guard again using his athleticism, physicality, and length but also competitiveness to make his presence felt on the glass. Uses his athleticism defensively so well and for such as prolific offensive threat he brings tons of defensive energy and effort! Judah’s upside is exciting as he has all the tools necessary to be a D1 recruiting target.”