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.