Kansas basketball: Is Silvio De Sousa the new Mitch Lightfoot?
With Mitch Lightfoot redshirting this season, Kansas basketball needs a guy that can come off of the bench and bring energy. Is Silvio De Sousa the man for the job?
After Silvio De Sousa was reinstated by the NCAA this past offseason, Kansas basketball fans expected the six-foot-nine-inch forward/center to make an immediate impact. So far this season, De Sousa has had a hard time getting minutes due to Udoka Azubuike and the emergence of David McCormack.
While De Sousa would probably like to see more time on the floor right now, he’ll probably get more than his fair share of minutes this season in a similar fashion to Mitch Lightfoot last season.
Last year especially in Big 12 play, Mitch Lightfoot was a major contributor for Kansas basketball, and it’s safe to say that he may have been the reason the Jayhawks won a few times.
For example, against Kansas State, Lightfoot had nine points, five rebounds, and three blocks against the Wildcats. Against Oklahoma State on the road, Lightfoot posted seven points and some huge dunks to help get Kansas to a win.
He proved his worth by being a grinder, making hustle plays and doing a lot of the things that don’t show up on the stat sheet. Lightfoot also led the Jayhawks in charges last season and was second in blocks.
This season, De Sousa could be that guy that comes off of the bench and provides the spark that leads to a Kansas win. He’s already proven that he can play with the best of them, and he has all the athleticism necessary to make a massive impact anytime he’s put on the floor.
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The Jayhawks could really benefit from having Silvio De Sousa bringing energy off the bench this season. While Kansas basketball has a deep frontcourt, De Sousa could prove extremely valuable if Azubuike or McCormack get into foul trouble.