With Perry Ellis concluding his career at the University of Kansas, incoming Freshman Mitchell Lightfoot is just the hero that Jayhawk fans are looking for. Joining fellow recruits Josh Jackson and Udoka Azubuike, the Kansas Jayhawks are once again favorites to win their 13th consecutive Big 12 title. “I used to be a Jayhawks fan growing up, and today, I still am.” Lightfoot said.

At 6’9” and 210 lbs, Lightfoot is expected to fill the role of Ellis, who is now entered in the 2016 NBA Draft. Those are big shoes to fill, but it’s nothing that Lightfoot can’t handle. “As a Freshman, I want to come in and learn. I want to be a sponge.” he explains. “The main thing is that I don’t want to come in and act like I know everything. Obviously, Coach Self knows a ton about basketball and I can a lot learn from him. He’s a great coach and they have a great staff.”

 

    Despite growing up in Gilbert, Arizona and attending Gilbert Christian High School (Gilbert, AZ), Lightfoot’s commitment to Kansas didn’t come out of the blue. “I used to live in Kansas City, so it’s always been my dream school.” Stated the high school senior. “I wanted to fulfill my dream and go to Kansas, so that’s what I’m doing.”

However, years ago, Lightfoot could’ve never imagined that he would even have the opportunity to play at such a prestigious basketball university. After originally committing to New Mexico in his sophomore year, Lightfoot realized that he needed to reassess the situation that he had put himself in. “For me, I felt like I was shooting myself short.” Explained the Kansas commit. “I felt like I was shooting myself short because I have the ability to go far with basketball and now I have the opportunity to fulfill my dream with Kansas, a blue blood school.”

 

    After committing to Kansas, Lightfoot ignited Jayhawk nation, eventually leading to commitments from Jackson and Azubuike, two of the top prospects in the Class of 2016. Lightfoot, who is ranked by ESPN as being the #67 prospect in the Class of 2016, has a game that will play right into the strengths of his new teammates, as he says, “I couldn’t care less about scoring, whatever I need to do to help the team win, that’s what I’m gonna do.”

Lightfoot’s selfless mentality will definitely benefit next year’s, highly talented Jayhawk squad, and has been something that, throughout his high school career, has separated him from the rest of his class.

It’s not only his play on the court that separates Lightfoot from other high school seniors, it’s also his adeptness in the classroom. After being named to the high academic list at his school three times, and carrying a 3.83 GPA, Lightfoot has shown that he isn’t your average student athlete, as he says,  “I’m both sides of the package. I can do the athletics and the academics. They won’t have to worry about me from an academic standpoint, so I can focus on the basketball.”

 

    As a highly touted prospect, the pressure has always been there for Lightfoot, but not in the ways you might expect. As the oldest child in his family, Lightfoot has had to be a role model for his younger siblings, Miles and Max. “I’m the oldest kid in the family, so the pressure has always been there to succeed.” He says. “I’ve gotten used to it. I’m just trying to do my best to glorify God through my actions on the court and to make my parents proud.”

    Class of 2016 Power Forward, Mitch Lightfoot may not be the most athletic player, or the flashiest player, but throughout his tremendous high school career, he has shown a remarkable ability to make the most of what he’s been given. Mitch Lightfoot is absolutely a player to follow next year at Kansas, and is “Bleeding Blue”.