(11.20.2011 - Air Lighty! Former Buckeye David Lighty soars for a right handed baseline slam vs Caserta! - Cantu, Italy - Image - Pallacanestro Cantu)
11.20.2011 - 
Impact Player - Cleveland native David Lighty continued his fine stretch of play in November with a great all-around game in Serie A Round 7, perhaps the best in his early pro career!
You could see this type of game developing for Lighty as his minutes and comfort level gradually increased throughout the month (which produced consistency). Eight points (4-6 fgs) in 17 minutes vs Pesaro (10.30), Seven points in 20 minutes at Benetton Treviso (11.6), a fifteen point outburst (5-6 fgs, 4-4 fts) vs Avellino (11.13) in just 12 minutes, and Nine points/4 rebs/2 assists at Fenerbache (11.16) in a Euroleague clash (its worth noting that every one of those teams represent stiff competition).
You could see this type of game developing for Lighty as his minutes and comfort level gradually increased throughout the month (which produced consistency). Eight points (4-6 fgs) in 17 minutes vs Pesaro (10.30), Seven points in 20 minutes at Benetton Treviso (11.6), a fifteen point outburst (5-6 fgs, 4-4 fts) vs Avellino (11.13) in just 12 minutes, and Nine points/4 rebs/2 assists at Fenerbache (11.16) in a Euroleague clash (its worth noting that every one of those teams represent stiff competition).
Bennet Cantu (4-2) met up with Pepsi Caserta (3-2) for their Italian League Round 7 home game on November 20. And for the third straight contest, rookie David Lighty looked very comfortable working within Cantu's system and generally adjusted to the level of play & officiating. David is known as a versatile player who can contribute in several areas, and we believe this Caserta game was one of his first throwback 'OSU Lighty' type of games in Italy where he does some of everything at a high level.
Lighty Time - Cantu came in as slight favorites as the hosts, but this game was very much in doubt at tip due to the absence of their starting forward, Vladmir Micov (injured). Rookie David Lighty (pictured left with head coach Trinchieri) was able to get more starter's experience with Cantu by stepping in Micov's place. While some basketball players relish in the role of coming off the bench and being able to change the game with scoring punch or defensive energy, we think most ballers prefer to first enter the game as a 'starter'..at least from a comfort and competitive standpoint as one can influence the game with the score 0-0 while at the same time attaining some type of early game flow or rhythm. 
So let's see....a stretch of games with consistency..check-mark...the staff's confidence to place you as a starter..check-mark..and the comfort of playing in your home arena..check-mark. Yes, this definitely had the makings of a very good game...the results? How about career highs in points, rebounds, and assists for Mr. Lighty! The former Buckeye really left his fingerprints over this one with aggressive offensive play off the dribble, good shooting & defense, great rebounding and also some play-making for teammates. In 22 minutes, David scored a season high 16 points (5-7 2pt fgs & 1-2 3pt fgs, 3-4 fts) with 8 rebounds & 4 assists!! Lighty and veteran Basile helped fuel a huge 34-17 run in the second half that would eventually lead to an 86-75 victory for Cantu (now 5-2 in Italy). We call this a 'break out' game for David Lighty because he was all over the place by getting 'and-one' finishes, rebound put-backs, assisting teammates and of course defending. And most importanly, Dave played a significant role in his team's victory. He scored in double figures (16( for the second straight game in Italy..against Caserta he led Cantu in rebounds (8) and was also second with his assists contribution (4)..ending with the clubs second highest efficiency rating of the game!
Cantu fans are certainly finding out that good things happen when a comfortable & aggressive David Lighty is getting solid playing time. Lighty tweeted this with a picture after the game!
Cantu fans are certainly finding out that good things happen when a comfortable & aggressive David Lighty is getting solid playing time. Lighty tweeted this with a picture after the game!
"They r staring to like me a lil in Cantu lol"- Twitter
Italy Round Seven - Cantu/Caserta clips -
- 7 seconds in - Lighty image
- starting at 1:00 mark - David Lighty uses a fake to slip by the defender and takes it baseline for the right handed slam!! (pictured above)
- Next play/sequence, Lighty trails in transition and gets the basket
- Lighty finds fellow American Marty Leunen for the three pointer
- Next play, Lighty hits the shot and-one!
- Next play, Dave in transition to the hoop, draws the foul and count the bucket! Go Lighty!
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