Kansas basketball: Mitch Lightfoot expected to have big March

Kansas basketball fans are excited about the Jayhawks journey in this year’s NCAA tournament. Mitch Lightfoot is expected to have a big impact in the Big Dance.

Last week, nobody expected Mitch Lightfoot to start the Kansas basketball Big 12 tournament opener. Nobody expected Udoka Azubuike’s minor knee injury. The 6-foot-8 junior has filled in throughout the season for the 7-foot All Big 12 second team selection. Lightfoot has done an outstanding job. If his sideline demeanor is any indication, nobody has more fun than Lightfoot.

Going into the Big 12 tournament Lighfoot had started just two games but played in all 32 games this season. He averages just 14 minutes a contest. Those minutes and the improving play of Silvio De Sousa are critical to the team’s success.

Dan Greene in Sports Illustrated included Lighfoot on his list of a dozen breakout players to watch as the NCAA Tournament unfolds.  As a matter of fact, all Jayhawk fans want Dok healthy but agree Lightfoot could be make the difference on the Jayhawks run to a Final Four.

This version of Kansas basketball has a slim margin for error. Even when Dok returns, Coach Bill Self will need to ease him back into full time action. Lightfoot and Freshman Silvio De Sosa need  to step up as they did in the Big 12 Tournament opener. The duo combined for 14 points and 14 rebounds to beat Oklahoma State. They combined for 46 points and 40 boards in the tournament.

Avoid foul trouble

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Dok has 55 blocked shots on the season. As a matter of fact, Lightfoot is not far behind with 47 in less than half the playing time.  His energy and enthusiasm off the bench is vital to the Jayhawks this month. He can score inside and outside. The Kansas City native showed off his shooting touch in the victory over the Cowboys last week.  He hit 4 of 6 shots in the win.  If he can stay out of foul trouble, Lightfoot could help this Jayhawk team play right into April