Florida has gotten into their 2022 recruiting and one of the most interesting targets on the board is guard Judah Mintz, a 6’3” ball handler with long arms and an explosive leap that makes him a tough cover in any game I’ve been able to watch him in. At his size with point guard handling ability he’s nearly impossible to keep out of the paint and on the other end of the floor he’s an impactful defender. He’s currently the 59th ranked player in the 2022 class and it’s likely he’ll still rise. I had a chance to chop it up with him quickly and learn a bit about him and his game.
EF: First of all, can you start by telling everyone where you’re from and where you play?
JM: I’m from Prince George’s County, Maryland and I play for Team Takeover, and I go to Gonzaga High School.
EF: When did Florida first get in touch with you and what did they have to say?
JM: They talked to my coach a few months ago and they told me that they had been watching me for a while and that they loved the way I play the game.
EF: Speaking of your game, how would you describe yourself as a player?
JM: I would say that I am a scorer from multiple levels, but getting to the basket is one of the strongest parts of my game.
EF: From what I’ve been able to see of your game from games online you’ve been playing the point but you have good size and could play the wing if you wanted to, or if that’s what a team required of you. Do you see yourself focusing on a point guard role moving forward or do you think you’ll turn into more of a combo guard or wing?
JM: I think moving on I see myself more as a combo guard being able to adapt to who I’m in the game with.
EF: Being from Maryland and playing in Washington, how much do you know about the Florida basketball program? Have you followed them at all in the past, or did you check them out more when you got the offer?
JM: I know that they are consistently at the top of the SEC and like to play fast and hard all game. I also watched a lot of Nembhard this year.
EF: That’s interesting that you watched a lot of Nembhard because you definitely have similar size to him but I would say you’re a good deal more athletic. Do you see any similarities between you and him in the way you play?
JM: Only real similarity may be his size and pace at times, but I see myself as more of a scoring threat.
EF: That’s what I was thinking, but I’m glad you’re checking out how some of Florida’s guards have done recently. What are you most looking for in the school you pick?
JM: A school that will fit how I like to play and let me be myself while still pushing me to be my best.
EF: What has recruiting looked like for you in the last couple of months due to COVID flipping the world on its head? Have coaches been hitting you up on the phone more than usual?
JM: For me it’s been the same lately since coaches aren’t able to directly call me until June 15th.
EF: Oh that’s a good point. I’ve got to pay more attention to the recruiting calendar (laughs). What has basketball looked like for you recently? Do you have a gym you can get to or a hoop nearby to get some shots up at?
JM: Yes, there are a few gyms that I access for both basketball and strength and conditioning so I am able to continue working out as usual, along with the court at my house.
EF: That’s good to hear! What part of your game have you been working on the most recently and what will you be looking to improve on next?
JM: Threes and midrange pull-ups off the dribble have been the focus during this break, and moving on trying to perfect certain go-to moves will also be a focus.
EF: You’re so talented at getting to the rim so when that pull-up game continues to develop defenders are going to be in trouble. What are your hobbies off the court? I know your high school is tough academically so I’m sure schoolwork keeps you busy (laughs).
JM: (laughs) It definitely does, but 2K with my brother and Netflix are the two things that I do when I’m not working out.
EF: What have you been watching on Netflix these days?
JM: Just finished Money Heist, now I’m on The Last Kingdom.
EF: The Last Kingdom is a good one! Thank God for Netflix these days (laughs). Thanks so much for your time Judah! Looking forward to keeping up with you over the next bit.
JM: (laughs) Definitely! And no problem, thank you!
You can follow Judah on Twitter at @Jmintz10.