Kansas basketball: In a loaded frontcourt, where does Mitch Lightfoot fit?
It’s no surprise that Kansas has a loaded frontcourt this season. Udoka Azubuike, Silvio De Sousa, and David McCormack are going to give opponents fits next season, but where does that leave Kansas basketball fan favorite Mitch Lightfoot?
The man, the myth, the legend. Mitch Lightfoot is a beloved Kansas basketball star, but would it be wise for him to sit this season out?
Last season, Lightfoot was one of the Jayhawks’ biggest impact players after starting center Udoka Azubuike was lost for the season due to injury. Lightfoot came off the bench and played extremely valuable minutes, catapulting Kansas basketball to a win on more than one occasion.
His hustle and gritty style have made Lightfoot one of the biggest fan favorites in Kansas basketball history. His contributions last season were enjoyed so much, that songs, Twitter accounts, and more were created in honor of Lightfoot. The “Prison Mitch” identity of Lightfoot has taken on a life of its own, and his status as a legend is cemented in Kansas basketball lore.
The problem this year is that the Kansas front-court has elite talent (if everyone stays healthy). David McCormack will be coming off the bench this season; however, the sophomore could probably start at most other division one programs. Of course, everyone knows how great Azubuike and De Sousa are, and those two will probably play big minutes, with freshman Tristan Enaruna possibly coming in for relief.
So where does that leave Lightfoot? Well, he could choose to redshirt this season if he wanted to, giving him a year of eligibility for next season after Azubuike leaves. Or, Lightfoot could play this season, and possibly come in for relief or if one of the bigs gets into foul trouble.
Redshirting could be a good move for Lightfoot, as he would probably play more next season than this season. Still, Lightfoot is known as being a huge supporter of his teammates, so that may mean he’s fine with a less prominent role than years past.
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Possibly Mitch Lightfoot’s greatest quality, other than his relentlessness, is his commitment to the team. Even if it’s a game where he didn’t play a single minute, Lightfoot is always celebrating on the bench and being a great teammate. Whatever Lightfoot decides to do, Kansas basketball will forever remember number 44, and his commitment to the Jayhawks.