Prospect Profile

Strengths:

  * Great intangibles (leader, competitor)
  * Strong defender
  * Good size
  * Has worked at becoming a threat from three
  * Good passer

Weaknesses:

  * Can he be an offensive threat in the NBA?
  * Needs to make a higher percentage from the free-throw line
 

NBA projection:
Lighty is a versatile enough player to find a role for an NBA team that needs a hard-working, competitive winner who can also defend three positions. If the improvement he showed as a three-point shooter in his senior season carries over to the next level, that's a huge bonus.

2010-11 Season
Lighty was chosen second-team All-Big Ten and also earned a spot on the league's All-Defensive team and the Lowes Senior Class first team. He finished his career as the winningest player in Big Ten history. He was a part of 129 victories during his five seasons—one of which was cut short because of injury—at Ohio State.

Key statistics:
12.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.5 tpg, 1.5 spg, 32.1 mpg, .468 FG, .429 3PT, .627 FT

Cool statistic:
Lighty is the third player in Ohio State history to accumulate more than 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 300 assists.

Reminds me of:
Bruce Bowen

What Insiders Say:
Ohio State coach Thad Matta
"Over time he's proven just how valuable he is to our team, to our program, from both the offensive side of the basketball to the defensive side of the basketball. And really probably the biggest intangible that he has is just his ability to lead and find ways to win basketball games. … I think anytime you spend as much time with your players, and obviously David now, five years, you build a relationship. You build a trust with a guy. Honestly, if David was sitting next to me, I think he could finish my sentences and I could probably finish his sentences. And I think that's something that I love about him and just what he brings to the table. He's a tremendous kid. He's just a great person. But he's a winner."

What Outsiders Say:
Illinois coach Bruce Weber
"I've said since the beginning: I love him. I think he's the MVP. He probably won't get it because people aren't smart enough. But he's their heart and soul."

Chris Dortch is the editor of the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook.