Arizona Basketball

Arizona Wildcats Class of 2016 target Lightfoot heavy on versatility

By Javier Morales

Posted on July 29, 2015

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Arizona recruiting target Mitch Lightfoot can shoot from inside and outside (Robert Scot/Special to AllSportsTucson.com)

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Arizona Wildcats Class of 2016 recruiting target Mitch Lightfoot stands tall at 6’9″, but because of his youth, he could conceivably grow a couple of more inches.

His physical maturity, including the strengthening of his 200-pound frame, combined with his already high basketball IQ, means the Gilbert Christian High School senior-to-be could evolve into a college all-conference performer and pro.

College coaches such as Arizona head coach Sean Miller and assistant Joe Pasternack see that promise in Lightfoot down the road, especially as he develops in a college strength and conditioning program.

Moreover, Lightfoot’s versatility now, able to stretch out to the perimeter although he is listed as a power forward, will pay dividends down the road because of the inside-outside threat he will pose on opponents.

“They see from a mixture of Aaron Gordon to Brandon Ashley to Grant Jerrett,” Lightfoot said to me about what Miller and Pasternack have told him during the recruiting process.

“I can handle the ball, push the ball up the court, make good passes. Definitely with their expertise, I can continue to develop and maybe even become a 3 (small forward).”

Click on the “Next” button in the slideshow to learn more about Lightfoot …

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