”I’m leaving” Judah Mintz has agreed to a deal of $160 million to depart from the Syracuse orange…

Judah Mintz announces he will not return to Syracuse, will enter NBA Draft

Syracuse basketball star guard Judah Mintz announces he will enter the NBA Draft and not return to Syracuse.

Judah Mintz, a top guard for Syracuse, said on Thursday that he will be entering the NBA Draft instead of going back to Syracuse. The NBA Draft was mentioned in passing in the video that was released on Twitter, but the official Instagram account for Syracuse men’s basketball said, “Next step in the journey: NBA Draft.”

“I came to this campus two years ago when I was eighteen,” Mintz said on social media. “I’m excited to carry on the Syracuse tradition, but I’m not sure what the future holds for me in Central New York. The Cuse alumni and fan community have been incredibly supportive of me since I declared my commitment to the school. I was giddy with anticipation as I lined up for my first jump ball in the Dome. I’ve always wanted to perform on a stage just like this one. The previous two years have been an amazing journey. I am appreciative of all the program members for accepting me into the Syracuse community.

“Strangers have become friends and friends have become family during my time at Cuse. To the thousands of fans who packed the Dome and the thousands more who routinely watched us on television, thank you all for your continued and faithful support. I feel fortunate to have been able to add my name to the Syracuse family roster. Even though I’m transitioning to the next phase in my career, I will always cherish my time in Central New York. Orange for life.”

Mintz entered the NBA Draft process last offseason but did not hire an agent. That allowed him to return should he not receive the feedback he wanted, which he ultimately did not. Mintz then elected to return to the Orange for his sophomore season.

He had a strong year leading Syracuse in scoring at 18.8 points per game to go along with 4.4 assists and 2.1 steals. His shooting percentage remained at around 44% overall, but his three point shooting dropped from 30% to 28% with more attempts compared to his freshman season. Mintz was named an All ACC Second Team performer this year.