Kansas forward Mitch Lightfoot is ready to get back on the court with his teammates on game nights.
And he found an interesting way to show it.
Back at home, like many other people waiting out the COVID-19 health crisis, the 6-foot-9 senior-to-be who will be back for a fifth season of Kansas basketball next season, posted a video of himself burning a red shirt on his social media channels.
“What’s up KU fans,” Lightfoot said in the video. “I just want to say I’m officially burning the redshirt and am ready for next season.”
The post that accompanied it mentioned that there was “no such thing as too much lighter fluid,” and Lightfoot twice doused the shirt with streams of liquid from a bottle as the garment sat in a fire pit on a patio.
Although he did not play during the 2019-20 season, Lightfoot was a key contributor in practice. His veteran presence and willingness to take on any challenge provided senior All-American Udoka Azubuike with a formidable foe on KU’s famed red squad.
And his basketball intelligence and three seasons of experience enabled him to fill a key role when KU’s rotation players ran against scout team offense and defense in practices.
Lightfoot also regularly pointed out little notes to his teammates during games and in film sessions and continued to put in his own work, on the court and in the weight room, to improve his game.
Although it remains to be seen exactly what role he will have with the 2020-21 team, Lightfoot has positioned himself well to be a regular part of the rotation, as both a physical presence and reliable player.
He also enters the season as one of the best — if not the best — shot blockers on KU’s roster and a player known for his ability to draw charges.
Lightfoot will join David McCormack, Silvio De Sousa and incoming freshman Gethro Muscadin in the KU front court next season.
For your Sunday night entertainment????❤️ @KUHoops and no such thing as too much lighter fluid????????♂️???? pic.twitter.com/KaNuFjcnKC
— Mitch Lightfoot (@Mitchlightfoot) April 27, 2020