KU Basketball: Projecting Starting Big Men for Jayhawks
By Joel Wagler
KU Basketball Big Men: Mitch Lightfoot
Mich Lightfoot seems the most likely to need the most development. That does not mean he won’t play. He will, but most likely he will be the fifth big man in the rotation.
At 6’8″, 210 pounds, his lean frame will need to add some bulk to be able to handle some of the beasts he will see in the Big 12.
Lightfoot is talented and has a lot of upside. He was ranked as the 67th best recruit in this class, according to the ESPN 100. Here is their scouting report:
"Lightfoot is a lean power forward prospect with long arms and an excellent motor. His shot blocking an ability to sprint in transition is impressive. He has excellent timing and his initial burst is impressive. He can explode to the rim in transition and finish with a dunk…"
Self seems always to find ways for his young big men to see some action, especially early in the season. With five players replacing six, Lightfoot should get some developmental minutes early, and then will be able to fill in to cover foul trouble as the Jayhawks get into conference play.
Don’t be shocked if Lightfoot can play himself into more minutes. He has the talent; now he just needs to get a little bit bigger and more physical.
Next: Young Beast