Arizona's loaded 2016 class of prospects is a very talented group of future college prospects that many college programs are already beginning to take a hard look at this spring, and definitely this summer. One of the elite prospects in the class has emerged quickly and is one prospect that some college programs have already extended a scholarship offer to. Tucson native, 6-foot-8 rising junior post Mitch Lightfoot, is one of the top prospects in the class and is one prospect to keep a close eye on this summer.
Lightfoot is a very nice talent with broad shoulders and a nice physical frame that should add weight very nicely over time. In fact, Lightfoot will easily be able to add 20-30 pounds of muscle to his now thin frame over time - a fact that will take his game to a completely different level over the next 3 to 4 years. He already possesses a strong feel for the game and a nice overall skillset, which allows him to make plays inside the post or from the perimeter, where he has developed a great deal over the past year.
I watched Light foot perform in several different events this spring with his club program, the Arizona Power 16U Black, and was very impressed with this young man's ability to play the game, as well as his prospects for the future. He has tremendous upside and is a smaller version of 2014 stud Payton Dastrup, although he will have more versatility over time, while Dastrup should develop into a bruising post player in college.
Currently, Lightfoot has received scholarship offers early in his college recruitment, led by the University of New Mexico, who is hoping to land another top-rated Arizona prospect, after reeling in a commitment from fellow Arizona Power club product Dane Kuiper. Lightfoot has also received scholarship offers from Grand Canyon, Northern Arizona and the University of Portland, thus far. Lightfoot does not look to be in any rush to make his college decision, so it will be very interesting to see how his college recruitment continues to progress.
Recently, it has been determined and reported that Lightfoot has transferred from Ironwood Ridge High School in Tucson, to rising basketball power Gilbert Christian HS, where he now plans to play next high school season and also finish his high school career. Regardless of what high school program Lightfoot is playing for next season, his continued development as a player and performance this summer will be important in his future as a college basketball prospect.
As we get set to release our latest player rankings for the 2016 class, look for Lightfoot to receive a nice ranking among the elite prospects in the class and at his position.
